Carmelo Anthony is joining close friend LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to multiple reports.
Anthony agreed to a one-year deal according to his manager, Bay Frazier, and is set to join a rebuilt roster expected to include Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington and Malik Monk.
Monk agreed to a deal with the Lakers on Tuesday, per ESPN.
Anthony came out of retirement to play a meaningful role with the Portland Trail Blazers the past two seasons. At 37, the 10-time All-Star can still score — and shoot. In 2020-21 he averaged 13.4 points per game and shot over 40 percent from 3-point range for the second time in his 18 NBA seasons.
The Lakers are also in agreement on a trade for Russell Westbrook that can become official on Thursday. In that swap, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma would relocate to the Washington Wizards.
Given the massive salary figures for Westbrook, James and Anthony Davis — $120 million combined with Westbrook’s $44 million figure added to the scrolls — general manager Rob Pelinka has been shopping for short-term bargains to round out the roster.
Backup point guard Alex Caruso agreed to join the Chicago Bulls on a four-year deal on Monday.
