The Los Angeles Lakers are still in the running for Carmelo Anthony and reports indicated that the New York Knicks consider them as the biggest threat in the race to sign the free agent superstar.
ESPN Los Angeles reported that the Knicks consider the Lakers as a strong contender in luring Anthony, who talked to Lakers executives in a meeting on Thursday where the team reportedly made an impressive recruiting pitch.
According to reports, the Lakers told Anthony that they will build a championship contender next season with a roster that will feature him alongside superstars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol along with rookie Julius Randle - the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Anthony, who averaged 27.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season, has been saying that he would consider the team's chances of winning a title in making his free-agency decision this summer.
But aside from forming a solid core with Bryant and Gasol, the Lakers can also offer a maximum four-year deal to Anthony. The Knicks are the only team that could offer a five-year deal to Anthony, but the Lakers have the better chance of forming a stronger team for next season.
The Chicago Bulls, who also made a recruiting pitch to Anthony last week, were considered as a potential landing spot for Anthony, but they have no cap space to offer a max deal to Anthony unless they can strike a sign-and-trade deal with the Knicks. This leaves the Lakers and Knicks as the favorites in the Anthony sweepstakes.
"There was a growing sense circulating through the league Sunday that Anthony is likely to choose between the Knicks and the Lakers, who are the only two teams that can offer him max money without needing to make roster moves first. New York can offer him a five-year deal worth $129 million, while Los Angeles can offer a four-year deal valued at $97 million," ESPN Los Angeles noted.
And if the Lakers fail to land Anthony this summer, sources indicated that they will likely pursue other top free agents on the market like Lance Stephenson and Chris Bosh, who is reportedly considering leaving the Miami Heat.
