The Los Angeles Lakers are 0-4 so far in the preseason. The Lakers are trying to find out what lineups fit together and how many minutes the role players will play. The one player that has looked better than expected is Carmelo Anthony. Anthony is entering his 19th season in the NBA and at age 37 is playing much younger. Anthony is at the end of his career and it would be the perfect ending if he can win a championship with LeBron James.
Carmelo Anthony has been one of the great scorers of his generation. Anthony’s main ability is being able to take advantage of smaller defenders in the post area and being able to catch and shoot. Anthony scored 17pts against the Phoenix Suns in the Lakers fourth preseason game. Anthony made 5 of 7 threes and shot 50% from the field. Carmelo gives the Lakers a player that can consistently score around 15 ppg in the regular season.
LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony go back almost 20 years and we all knew at some point, they would be teammates. They are familiar with one another on the court which should make for an easy transition as teammates. Westbrook and James will lead the point guard duties and Anthony can feed off their energy. The one question for Anthony is can he stay on the floor with his defense and rebounding.
Frank Vogel needs defenders and rebounders at the 3 and 4 position. Carmelo will earn his spot and minutes and will be helpful in the 4th quarter of close games because of his ability to create his own shot in the mid-range.
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