The Los Angeles Lakers made their first move to acquire a big-name free agent this summer after having a meeting with All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony on Thursday.
Multiple reports confirmed that Anthony and the Lakers discussed the possibility of forming a championship team next season with sources indicating that Los Angeles laid out their plan on how to make him the next face of the proud franchise.
According to ESPN, the Lakers made it clear that they will offer a maximum four-year deal worth $95 million in the event the 30-year-old forward chooses to play in Los Angeles next season.
ESPN sources believe that Lakers executives believe that the meeting went very well and that Anthony was "extremely attentive" during the Lakers' recruiting pitch.
Anthony and agent Leon Rose met with Lakers team president Jeanie Buss, executive vice president of player personnel Jim Buss, and Kupchak along with officers of the Lakers' official television network.
Lakers legend James Worthy was also in the building as he was the one who greeted Anthony when he arrived, but there was a notable Lakers figure, who was not present during the meeting.
Reports on Thursday indicated that Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant cut his European vacation short to be in the meeting, but the veteran failed to make it in time for the talks, which reportedly finished before 6 p.m. EST.
Bryant reportedly personally explained to Anthony why he was not able to make it, and the 16-time All-Star tried to arrange a meeting on Thursday night. However, Anthony is also scheduled to meet with New York Knicks officials in his Los Angeles home.
The Lakers are expected to make big moves this summer with Anthony and four-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James as their top target. Lakers executives are convinced that both Anthony and James can co-exist with Bryant, who could retire after the remaining two years in his contract expires.
Aside from the Lakers, the Chicago Bulls also made their pitch on Tuesday at the United Center. Anthony also flew to Texas on Wednesday for a meeting with the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks, respectively.
Anthony, who averaged 27.4 points and 8.1 rebounds with the Knicks last season, is expected to announce his decision after his final meeting with New York.
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