Now that Carmelo Anthony is joining the Portland Trail Blazers, LeBron James is saying he wishes his friend ended up with the Lakers.
The “Banana Boat Crew” sticks together. LeBron James spoke about his close friend, Carmelo Anthony, and his recent signing with the Portland Trail Blazers. Anthony went over a year without playing following his exile from the Houston Rockets after 10 games last season.
“I think everyone had doubt. Including himself, probably,” James said when asked about Melo’s once uncertain future, per Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen & Roll. “I always hoped that he would get an opportunity. When his name was brought up with us, I hoped that opportunity presented itself, as well. When we had our injuries I was hoping he could come be a part of here, and it didn’t happen for whatever reason. But I’m happy that he has the opportunity to go back and play the game that he loves to play.”
James is obviously very happy for his close friend. The Lakers were obviously not interested in bringing in Melo. They’re one of the best teams in the NBA and look like an absolute juggernaut capable of winning it all. There’s no reason to mess with that by bringing in another guy in the mix. That all makes sense.
Whether or not James advocated for Melo behind closed doors is a mystery, but none of that really matters.
What matters is that Melo finally has his chance to go out on his own terms. Anthony will return to Madison Square Garden, perhaps for the final time in his career on Jan. 1, 2020.
