Jordan45822 wrote:http://es.pn/1ob4hcM
Lakers make 'strong impression'
In a surprising twist, the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as the team that most worries the New York Knicks in their attempt to re-sign superstar free agent forward Carmelo Anthony, sources with knowledge of the situation told ESPN.
The Lakers pitch -- of teaming Anthony with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, prized rookie Julius Randle on a team with no long-term salary obligations -- made what one source described as a "strong impression" on Anthony and has made his decision over the holiday weekend "tough" according to another source close to the situation.
Lakers make 'strong impression'
Ramona Shelburne [ARCHIVE]
ESPN.com | July 5, 2014
In a surprising twist, the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as the team that most worries the New York Knicks in their attempt to re-sign superstar free agent forward Carmelo Anthony, sources with knowledge of the situation told ESPN.
The Lakers pitch -- of teaming Anthony with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, prized rookie Julius Randle on a team with no long-term salary obligations -- made what one source described as a "strong impression" on Anthony and has made his decision over the holiday weekend "tough" according to another source close to the situation.
Los Angeles met with LeBron James' agent Rich Paul on Friday, and the four-time MVP is giving similar consideration to what the Lakers have to offer, according to sources.
Gasol has emerged as a key selling point for the Lakers. While the Spaniard has been listening to pitches from championship contenders who lack much financial flexibility, such as Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Miami and Chicago, sources believe he would quickly re-sign with the Lakers if they were able to land Anthony or James.
ESPN reported Thursday that the Lakers made it clear to Anthony, who is living and training in L.A. this summer, they'd offer the maximum four-year, $97 million contract they can, if he were to choose them. That's less than the five-year, $129 million offer the Knicks have verbally pitched to Anthony. The Lakers also made it clear to James they'd offer him the maximum they could, sources said.
However, there are also scenarios in which both James and Anthony could come to the Lakers, if each was willing to play for around $16 million per season, especially if either of their current teams were willing to work a sign-and-trade with the Lakers.
Bryant wasn't able to make it to the Lakers pitch meeting with Anthony on Thursday after it was moved up by several hours. He was still in the air from his flight home from a family vacation as the meeting was taking place. However sources said the two superstars have been in constant communication this summer, and there is some sentiment Anthony's respect for Bryant could ultimately "put the Lakers over the top."
The shift in Anthony's thinking was first reported by Grantland's Bill Simmons on Saturday afternoon.
Hearing the Lakers made a MAJOR impact on Melo this week - it's now a legit 3-way battle between LA/Chi/NYK to land him. Crazy NBA weekend.
- Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) July 5, 2014
ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported last week that the Knicks' confidence in re-signing Anthony was strong as he began his cross-country free agent recruiting tour through Chicago, Houston, Dallas and Los Angeles.
It was widely assumed that the Bulls posed the strongest challenge to the Knicks for Anthony, but that has shifted over the weekend, sources said. The Bulls do not currently have the ability to offer Anthony a maximum contract.
I'm surprised ESPN didn't post an article saying Thibs hates Melo and never recruited him.
