NBA Rumors: Lakers Considering Ex-Scoring Champion If Young Gun Gets Traded

The Los Angeles Lakers know they need added scoring sock and are expected to check out the free-agent market this offseason.

One name that could fill in that void is Carmelo Anthony, someone who is close to LeBron James.

However, considering the 10-time NBA All-Star is already 37, things could go either way.

Although Anthony showed that he could still score as part of the Portland Trail Blazers, there are plenty of questions in the air.

The native of Virginia has been known to want the ball at his hands most of the time, something that could hinder his ability to score buckets.

James and Anthony Davis are the top options of head coach Frank Vogel, hinting that Anthony may only get that chance if the two Los Angeles Lakers star are on the bench or not playing during games.

Compared to his career averages, Anthony’s numbers have dipped severely. In the two seasons that he was with the Blazers, the 6-foot-7 forward normed 14.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

His playing time has also dramatically decreased and that could continue to go down if he joins the Lakers.

Aside from that, there is the matter of pay. With the Lakers struggling to deal with the salary cap, Anthony may have to agree to a minimal deal to join the franchise.

But the thought of possibly winning an NBA ring could address that, assuming both sides can come to terms.

If it does happen, most see Anthony as a potential replacement to Kyle Kuzma. As mentioned in a previous post, the 25-year-old looms as some of the interesting pieces that other teams would want in a trade.

One team that could bite is the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Kemba Walker would be the player the Lakers would target in this scenario. The 31-year-old was sent to the Thunder by the Boston Celtics in a multi-asset trade that involved Al Horford.

With the growing belief that OKC may still deal away from the four-time All-Star, the Lakers could address their playmaking and scoring void by taking in the 6-foot guard via trade.

It would also make sense for Kuzma who has yet to break out of his shell. Playing behind James and Davis has prevented him from showing his full potential.

Pundits feel that the best way is for Kuzma to join another team where he could get extensive playing time.

The Thunder would be fitting, especially with their drive to focus on a young player.

At only 25, Kuzma could shine with OKC and follow the path of other former Lakers like Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram and Jordan Clarkson.