Lakers’ Carmelo Anthony explains what he’s most excited about next season
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be one of if not the most captivating team in all of basketball next season.
With Russell Westbrook arriving to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis as the headlining stars, the Lakers filled the gaps with serviceable and respected veterans.
Carmelo Anthony is one of those players L.A. signed to a minimum deal. The 37-year-old forward is Hall-of-Fame bound whenever he calls it a career, but for now, winning a title, something he has yet to accomplish, is his priority.
It’s unclear if Anthony will start at power forward with Davis at center or come off the bench as a pure scorer, but he should receive quality playing time despite his defensive limitations at this stage of his career.
Though winning a title with the abundance of talent on hand is the goal for L.A., Anthony is eager for the entire process.
“I’m more excited about the journey of this season,” Anthony said. “Not so much of getting on the court in the game because we gon’ win games, we have to win games, quite frankly.”
Anthony explained how he wants to see the Lakers create a strong connection that will help them push through the adversity a season can bring on a team, especially ones with title aspirations such as L.A.
“I think everything else that comes along with that, you know, the journey and learning these guys a little bit more and seeing the work ethic and being in the locker room and on the team bus and on the team plane and building a bond and camaraderie to the point where it’s like, nothing would affect us,” Anthony said.
“I think, for me, that’s the most important part that I’m looking forward to. Again, the basketball part will take care of itself, I’m not worried about the basketball part. It’s how we all come together.”
The collective age of the Lakers roster has come under scrutiny for being too old, but the players L.A. signed can still play at a solid level, even if some of them are past their primes.
Dwight Howard isn’t the All-Star talent he once was with the Orlando Magic, but he understands his role and makes winning plays.
The experience, combined with the talent, of the team are important building blocks for a squad that wants to win a title. Several players have already discussed sacrificing their usual roles to compete for a ring, which is good to see the chemistry developing with players on the same page.
As Anthony said, the journey will be a fantastic adventure for both the team and everyone who is excited to see it all unfold on the court.
