Carmelo Anthony Will Miss Friday's Game As He Grieves Passing Of Kobe Bryant

[RealGM Wiretap]

Carmelo Anthony has been ruled of Friday's game at the Los Angeles Lakers for personal reasons.

Anthony is not playing "because of his continued grieving and emotions over the loss of Kobe Bryant," reports Shams Charania on Stadium.

Anthony and Bryant were scheduled to have dinner together in Los Angeles on Thursday. Bryant was also expected to attend Friday's game between the Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers.

Anthony and Bryant were close friends for many years. 

Via Shams Charania/Stadium

[IAMZOOTED2]

I know Melo and Kobe were acquaintances and collegues... but I had no idea the two were so close. Does anyone have any idea why this hit Melo so hard? Like did they used to vacation together or kick with each other's kids?

[Gang of Four]

I know Melo and Kobe were acquaintances and collegues... but I had no idea the two were so close. Does anyone have any idea why this hit Melo so hard? Like did they used to vacation together or kick with each other's kids?

Melo is just sensitive, that's all. Just another example of how soft the NBA has become.

[bulls_troy]

I know Melo and Kobe were acquaintances and collegues... but I had no idea the two were so close. Does anyone have any idea why this hit Melo so hard? Like did they used to vacation together or kick with each other's kids?

Melo is just sensitive, that's all. Just another example of how soft the NBA has become.

He's not allowed to grieve someone who he was obviously extremely close to???

[shrink]

I know Melo and Kobe were acquaintances and collegues... but I had no idea the two were so close. Does anyone have any idea why this hit Melo so hard? Like did they used to vacation together or kick with each other's kids?

Melo is just sensitive, that's all. Just another example of how soft the NBA has become.

He's not allowed to grieve someone who he was obviously extremely close to???

Sure people can grieve, but would you ask your boss to let you miss work a week after the death of a non-family member?

[LewisnotMiller]

Melo is just sensitive, that's all. Just another example of how soft the NBA has become.

He's not allowed to grieve someone who he was obviously extremely close to???

Sure people can grieve, but would you ask your boss to let you miss work a week after the death of a non-family member?

Yeah....you could, although it depends on the nature of your job, and the scarcity of your skills.

[shrink]

He's not allowed to grieve someone who he was obviously extremely close to???

Sure people can grieve, but would you ask your boss to let you miss work a week after the death of a non-family member?

Yeah....you could, although it depends on the nature of your job, and the scarcity of your skills.

I am hearing now that there was a tribute specifically on that Friday, so maybe Melo wanted to be there. Maybe not so bad.

[LewisnotMiller]

Sure people can grieve, but would you ask your boss to let you miss work a week after the death of a non-family member?

Yeah....you could, although it depends on the nature of your job, and the scarcity of your skills.

I am hearing now that there was a tribute specifically on that Friday, so maybe Melo wanted to be there. Maybe not so bad.

Only question really is whether the juice is worth the squeeze. In this case I think yes. That's it. That's all any business is ever actually trying to determine.

[IAMZOOTED2]

Was Carmelo's absence in the Lakers tilt why the Blazers handily won, or was it the overall dejected feeling that (understandably) seemed to be coming from Staples Center?