The reports change drastically everyday, welcome to free agency. Previously it was reported that the Chicago Bulls were the Knicks biggest competition, then it was reported that Carmelo Anthony was most likely heading back to the New York Knicks and now the latest report suggests the Los Angeles Lakers are serious contenders.
via Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:
Lakers have moved into serious contention on Carmelo Anthony, multiple sources tell Yahoo. “In the game now,” one source close to Melo says.
As one source in process says of Lakers bid, “They can promise max money without any (roster) moves needing to be made.” 4-years, $97M.
Though the Knicks can offer the highest contract at 5-years, $129 million, the Lakers are the only non-Knicks team Anthony met with that can offer him a max contract as well though it’s less money. It’s likely that if Anthony signed with the Lakers Pau Gasol would re-sign with the team but that still doesn’t put them in the winning position Anthony claims to want. It’s because of that reason people put Chicago at the top of the list if he decided to leave New York. Anthony is expected to make his decision some time this week.
