NBA Trade Rumors: Carmelo Anthony to L.A. Lakers

In a report from ESPN's Chris Broussard, the Lakers are looking into a trade for Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony. The New York Knicks have been at the forefront in the race for Anthony, but now the Lakers are looking to pick up another superstar to add to their arsenal. This could prove that the Lakers are willing to trade Andrew Bynum or maybe Ron Artest.
SOURCE ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/n ... id=6101304

Take it for what it's worth.....

"BowlRips wrote:
Broussard Live on Sportscenter right now
- Says talks between Denver and LA are in "infant" stages
- No interest in Lamar Odom or Ron Artest
- No real offer yet
- Talks about other outlets reporting Buss' lack of interests in trading Bynum (basically Isola's report) says he understands where that source is coming from. Knows of Buss' love for Bynum, but according to his source talks wouldnt have advanced this fair and still be alive if that was an obstacle.
- Says Denver like this offer, Feels Bynum has superstar potential and they dont feel his contract is deadly because after next season its only a team option, so if he breaks down they can let him go.
- Goes on to Knicks, says 3 way trade with Minny still alive. However, Denver wants more
- Doesn't think this is a smokescreen by Denver to get Knicks to ante up but feels it will force the Knicks to ante up.
- Denver wants 2/3 of Chandler, Gallo, Fields.
- According to his source, Knicks ultimately will give in to that request if they need to
- Says Lakers face problem for Knicks, because indications from people close to Melo, but not confirmed that he would definitely sign with Lakers, has a home there."


So I see know reason for Broussard, well known Knick honk, to be pushing this to drive UP what the Knick's would have to pay Denver, unless there is some truth.
The report from the Lakers side only said the Bynum/Melo "report is inaccurate". It did not say "not happening, never ever".
Perhaps there's more to the story and it is in infant stages as Broussard stated on ESPN this morning.

Anyway for fun... here is my Melo trade:

1) Bynum 13.7 + Ebanks .47 + '13 1st for extended Melo 17.15

2) Vujacic TPE for Brad Miller
- Houston is 3.5 over the luxury tax and Miller makes 4.4. Missing the playoffs, they'll be apt to get out of the tax. While Miller is no gem on D, he is long and has girth. He can hold his own for 14 - 18 mpg while giving some hard fouls.

Final roster (98 mil payroll)
Fisher/Blake
Kobe/Ron/Brown
Melo/Ron/Barnes/Luke
Odom/Melo/Ron/Smith
Pau/Miller/Theo

Minutes (* starters)
*Kobe 36, *Melo 34, *Odom 30, Ron 30, *Pau 34
*Fish 22, Blake 20, Brown 10, Barnes 10, Miller 14
depth: Walton 0, Caracter 0, Ratliff 0, Smith 0
= 240

Sure maybe it's Knick fan Broussard talking about this, but I still think the rumor starts with Denver trying to drive the price up for Melo. Just like they drove the price up with the Nets until the Nets said that's it we're outta here.

As much as it is a good deal, trading a promising injury prone player for a superstar, it would not help us win a championship because of how our team doesnt have enough depth at the Center/Power Forward position if we made the deal.