NBA Rumors: Lakers Hometown Rival Interested In Signing Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony's chances of getting back in the NBA is slowly slipping away as the 35-year-old All-Star has yet to find a team willing to employ him for the 2018-2019 season. Recently the Los Angeles Lakers have reiterated that they are not interested in signing the six-foot-eight forward despite his close ties with LeBron James.

After being snubbed from Team USA, Anthony is clinging on to little hope as the new season is just a month away. Fortunately, the Lakers' hometown rival, the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly interested in the former scoring champ according to Sam Amico.

The Clippers are looking to strengthen their second unit and the 10-time All-Star might be able to help. Amico said that they "are contemplating the idea of trying to sign a veteran free agent... for help in reserve." He added that among the present free agents, "Anthony and guard Iman Shumpert are among the names they are considering."

After dismal stints for both the Rockets and the OKC Thunder, Melo is looking forward to redeeming his storied career. He's averaged 24 points per game in the past 17-years, shooting over 50.7 percent in the field, along with 6.5 rebounds and three assists.

Anthony's reputation took a nosedive when he was traded by the Rocket's earlier this year for draft rights to Jon Diebler. The U.S. gold medalist hasn't played another NBA game since the deal.

In the past two-years, Melo averaged 14.8‬ points for OKC and the Houston Rockets. As a member of both teams, he shot a career-low shooting percentage at 40.45‬% and struggled to close out games.

In his defense, Anthony's camp told Sean Deveny of Heavy.com about the truth. His representative's assessment of how Melo is being treated as "the scapegoat for a few teams that didn't play up to their potential" is heartbreaking.

Obviously, the man can ball, but the story that's circulating the league assuming that he's locker room killer is a total bummer. According to Melo's camp, "other people blame him the last few years that he didn't deserve."

Whatever the case is, the fight for the final roster spot on the Clippers would be tight, considering Iman Shumpert's resume. It will be an uphill battle. For now, Melo needs to trust his instincts and learn to adjust his new role.

His days as a franchise player is long gone, but he'll be happy to have one last ride before retirement.