It has been said that the Los Angeles Lakers will go after both LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony in the 2014 free agency period. Even though many people find this to be a long shot, it really isn’t. Let’s not forget which franchise were talking about – many still see the Los Angeles Lakers as the dream franchise. Everyone wants to get a shot at playing under the bright lights of Staples Center wearing purple and gold. Add to that that the many upsides to living in LA; the lifestyle is great, the weather is great, and it’s really just the place to be. They also have that one guy on the Lakers, Kobe Bryant. He’s pretty good. Also, the Lakers have the cap space to sign either LeBron or Melo. After the 2013-2014 season, Steve Nash is the only player who will be under contract. Is it a possibility that either LeBron or Melo will be wearing purple and gold after next season? Let’s look at their situations.
LeBron James is on top of the world right now. Back to back championships, MVP’s, and Finals MVP – it really doesn’t get much better than that. The Lakers will really do anything to convince him to sign with them. Kobe Bryant and LeBron James on the same team; could it work? Maybe. Should it happen? No.
Why would LeBron want to go to LA? To try and help Kobe get a 6th ring? That’s not how it’s supposed to happen. If Kobe wants that 6th ring, he shouldn’t get LeBron to help him. Also, would LeBron really want to go through what he went through in 2010? If he left Miami for LA, his legacy would be hurt. If he wants to keep winning, he should stay in Miami. Yeah, Dwyane Wade’s knees are banged up, but he’s still the best sidekick player in the NBA. He also still has Chris Bosh, who has been a huge part of their past two championship runs. If LeBron stays in Miami, he won’t have to worry about rebuilding. With Pat Riley running that team, LeBron will always have a great supporting cast. There’s another simple reason LeBron wouldn’t leave Miami for LA; YOU DON’T WALK AWAY FROM A DYNASTY IN THE MAKING. The Heat are still the favorites to win it all next year. And if they do, there’s no way Lebron is leaving.
It seems more likely that Carmelo Anthony would leave New York and go to LA. Now even though it’s more likely, that doesn’t mean it will happen – actually there’s a good chance it won’t. Carmelo hasn’t had the best runs in the playoffs. He’s only gotten past the first round twice. If he came to LA and joined forces with Kobe, chances are he might get past the first round again. Kobe may be old, but you never count out the Black Mamba. Despite perhaps a better opportunity for playoff glory, I just don’t see Melo leaving NY. He loves it there. He knows he has his best chance at a ring with this team. Melo loves to be “the man” in New York. Carmelo and Kobe on the same team could actually work, though their egos would come in the way of it. Carmelo wouldn’t want to be Kobe’s sidekick, and Kobe wouldn’t want to be Carmelo’s sidekick, understandably. This upcoming season for Carmelo could be a huge factor in his decisions for the summer of 2014.
The Lakers are going to do whatever it takes to get Melo or LeBron. They might get close, but I don’t see either of them leaving their teams.
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