Syracuse in the NBA: Carmelo Anthony signs with Lakers

The future hall-of-famer joins friend LeBron James in L.A.

Carmelo Anthony’s been in the NBA for 18 seasons, he’s won three gold medals with Team USA, been a scoring champ, a 10-time all-star, and he’s now 10th on the league’s all-time scoring list. Syracuse Orange fans are forever fans of his because of the 2003 national title. But despite all of the accolades, ‘Melo has never had a chance to play for an NBA championship.

Well, it appears that could change in year 20.

Anthony will join the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year deal for the 2021-22 season, as the team has spent the offseason looking to reload and get back to the NBA Finals. The draw for Carmelo is playing with long-time friend LeBron James, obviously, along with competing for his first NBA championship. With a lineup featuring James, Anthony, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, Marc Gasol, Malik Monk and many more, it’ll be a a crowded bench but one that could very well compete for a title.

Along with a championship, ‘Melo should also continue his climb on the league’s all-time scoring list. He’s only 39 points shy of Moses Malone in ninth, and 1,226 short of Shaquille O’Neal in eighth.

While I’m personally not a Lakers fan (though I married into a family of them), I wouldn’t mind seeing them win just this year, if only because it means ‘Melo finally gets his ring. That said, go Knicks.