LeBron James Still Not Losing Hope In Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

LeBron James expresses support for Carmelo Anthony
The Lakers could recall Anthony for added scoring sock off the bench
Anthony could still be of use to teams in need of offense next season

The Los Angeles Lakers have roster openings to fill, and most know that team's scoring department is one aspect that needs to be addressed.

Pressed for budget, the franchise's options are limited as they can only offer a meager amount of money--something that may force the Lakers to lower expectations.

NBA veterans such as Carmelo Anthony could bite if they were to be considered.

The 38-year-old former scoring champion agreed to a one-year, $2.6 million contract last season and made a good account of himself coming off the bench.

In 69 games last season, the ten-time All-Star normed 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and an assist in 26 minutes of action and even started in three games.

Anthony has yet to find a taker for the 2022-23 NBA season although he was previously linked to the Boston Celtics.

With Danilo Gallinari and Robert Williams III coming off surgeries, he somehow made sense for the Cs.

Unfortunately, all that has been shelved with the Celtics preferring to give their current players a chance to shine.

Hence, Anthony continues to wait for calls.

Longtime friend LeBron James recently posted on social media seemingly batting for Anthony to stay with the Lakers.

"Stay, Melo," the multiple-time NBA champion wrote on Twitter.

Despite his age, Anthony has shown that he still has something to offer at the NBA level.

Anthony was part of the Lakers' squad that failed to make it to the NBA playoffs last season.

Much of that was due to injuries that James and Anthony Davis had to deal with.

On his part, Anthony stepped up and was one of the consistent performers for Los Angeles before running out of steam in the home stretch.

The Lakers will have James, Davis, Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverly and a returning Dennis Schroder this coming NBA season.

The offense is something first-year head coach Darvin Ham will need, so it will be interesting to see if Anthony is among the players he would seriously consider.

Given his performance, there is no doubt that Anthony can still be of use to teams who need added scoring off the bench.

If not the Lakers, it remains to be seen if any other NBA team will give the 6-foot-7 forward a shot at possibly suiting up for them next season.