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Carmelo Anthony Reveals How He ‘Almost Got Forced’ by LeBron James to join Lakers

Published 09/22/2021, 7:27 AM EDT

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This trading season, Los Angeles Lakers acquired a number of bigwigs, one of them being veteran forward Carmelo Anthony. After playing for Portland Trail Blazers last season, Anthony has finally collaborated with his long-time friend, LeBron James.

The 2020-21 NBA season proved to be an injury-plagued time for the Lakers. This year they are all set to rejuvenate with a couple of star signings including Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. The latter has signed a one-year deal with the championship contenders.

USA Today via Reuters

Carmelo Anthony rewinds his decision of joining the Lakers

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LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, fellow NBA draftees of the historic 2003 class, will be entering their career’s 19th season. The two stars have grabbed their accomplishments over the years and it’s time that they finally share the court. Along with Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook as starters, the Lakers are aiming for a blockbuster.

The 18-year veterans, Anthony and James, believe that this is the right timing for them to win a ring together. In a recent interview, Melo went on to reveal how LeBron ‘forced’ him to join the Lakers.

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Melo further added – “I almost got forced to do it. I think LeBron forced me to do it. He waited till the right time, he waited till the end of our careers. And, he said the time is now…Early on I don’t think it would have worked out between us, we had different lanes. I just think everything happens for a reason and timing is everything.”

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LA fans are eager to watch their favorite stars on the same team

Last season, Melo played off the bench and averaged 13.4 points. On the other hand, James went through injuries and a slow year as his team exited early on in the playoffs. The two friends will be seen together at Staples Center after earning several awards, All-star appearances, and career highlight games.

Do you think LeBron James and Anthony Davis will compliment each other in the purple-gold jersey? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Pavni Ahuja

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Pavni Ahuja is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Housing a keen interest in sports journalism, she is pursuing an undergraduate Journalism degree from Christ University. Pavni is an ardent fan of the NBA, with prior district-level playing experience in basketball.
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