NBA Trade Rumors: Why LeBron James Wants Carmelo Anthony To Join Lakers

LeBron James has reportedly shown an interest in having out-of-favor Houston Rockets forward Carmelo Anthony join him at the Los Angeles Lakers. That is according to Joe Vardon of the Athletic, though he reported Thursday there had been no request made by James as of yet.

"Sources said there had been no request made by James to Lakers president Magic Johnson or general manager Rob Pelinka to make a deal for his friend," Vardon wrote. "Nor would there be."

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne added that if Johnson and Pelinka were on board though, it could happen.

In his report, Vardon added that James felt the experienced Anthony could have a place in the young roster which is currently battling injuries. Brandon Ingram was the latest player on the sidelines after he sprained his ankle against the San Antonio Spurs while Rajon Rondo was out with a broken hand.

In addition, the 33-year-old Akron, Ohio, native was not happy with his longtime friend's current situation.

"And, broadly speaking, James does not want to see Anthony’s career end either with the Houston divorce or the 10-time All-Star playing out the string in this season in a market where he doesn’t want to be," Vardon added.

Anthony played alongside the star duo of Russell Westbrook and Paul George at the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, but never truly fit in with the team, who went on to significantly underachieve in the playoffs.

The 34-year-old would be traded to the Atlanta Hawks in summer of 2018 before he was bought out, later joining the Rockets on a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum of $2.4 million. The front office hoped Anthony's experience would help them get closer to the NBA Finals this year, but the start of their season was poor with a 4-6 record, with the franchise deciding he was not a fit for the team.

Both parties are currently looking for a landing spot for Anthony, though he can only be traded after Dec. 15 due to signing a one-year deal for this season. If Houston were to waive him, the Lakers would also need to have an open roster spot. So could the Lakers be a potential destination for the 10-time All-Star?

The Lakers reportedly had an interest in Anthony before he joined the Rockets, and both he and James go back to their school days as they both entered the league together in the 2003 NBA draft.

Joining the Lakers would also mean the pair could be teammates for the first time in the NBA. It would be the third team Anthony has played for since 2017, but it would certainly be the most interesting one to date.

Anthony averaged 13.4 points from 40.5 percent shooting, 5.4 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 29.4 minutes per game over the 10 games he played for the Rockets this season.