Sir Charles in Charge
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Los Angeles Lakers: Carmelo Anthony could punctuate a great NBA career

By Michael Saenz

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after being called for a foul against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after being called for a foul against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers could be the final -and most rewarding – stop for Carmelo Anthony. 

After a first-round NBA playoff loss, which was LeBron James’ first in his entire career, the Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason with the priority of reshaping the roster in an attempt to surround LeBron and Anthony Davis with as much talent as they can for a run back to the NBA finals.

The offseason began with a bang in which the Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. They continued that momentum by signing Dwight Howard, Kendrick Nunn, Wayne Ellington, Malik Monk, Trevor Ariza, and re-signed Talen Horton-Tucker.

However, there was one other move that the Lakers made this offseason that will likely develop into one of the biggest storylines of the season. And that was the signing of Carmelo Anthony.

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Carmelo Anthony could change the narrative of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers

Even though Anthony is no longer in the prime of his career, he’s still an intriguing player that could offer some production for the Lakers off the bench. After taking a brief (likely unwanted) hiatus from the league, Anthony has done a great job of rebuilding himself as a role player in the league.

The transition from being the best player on the team and the No. 1 offensive option, to being the fourth or fifth best player on a team and somewhat of an afterthought on the offensive end is not easy.

In the past, we’ve seen many (former) stars not able to pull it off. And that has led to early retirements for some players. For a while, it looked like that was awaiting Anthony. However, after some time away, something clicked for Anthony and over the past two seasons, he’s grown into a good role player.

The hope is that he can do the same for the Lakers this season. Anthony is coming off a season in which he averaged 13 points on 42 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range. If he can offer the Lakers that off the bench, there’s no question that he’s going to carve out an important role for himself next season.

He may not be the final piece for the Lakers in their pursuit of another championship but he could very well emerge as a key part of their reemergence in the Western Conference. And should he play an important role for the Lakers next season, there’s a chance he can begin to change the narrative of his career.

Anthony has done and seen it all during his basketball career. He’s won an NCAA Championship with Syracuse, has been one of the most decorated Team USA basketball players in history, and now is just in need of an NBA Championship to round out his career.

Next. NBA: Way-too-early playoff predictions for the 2021-22 season. dark

The Lakers could be the perfect, final opportunity for Anthony.

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