As Carmelo Anthony leans toward leaving New York, Chicago and Houston emerge as frontrunners

What would it matter? We'll already be all in on going over the cap.

 

All of these local reporters just pander to their audiences.

 

I predict Melo will sign with Lakers. Couple reasons:

1. He can't win in NY...they don't have the players
2. Bulls aren't good enough either...Rose is injured prone
3. Mavs are not good enough with too many mediocre players
4. Lakers give him Hollywood life which he and his wife are craving for after enjoying similar NY life and the 1-2 punch between him and Kobe can not be passed.
5. Houston is an option but location is a problem.

 

So you think Les will pay any amount of salary for parsons plus any amount of tax on top of it?

 

1-2 punch between him and Kobe cannot be passed? What are you talking about dude?

 

Rockets don't need Melo, they need better coaching and an above average PF who plays solid D and can shoot when needed. All Melo brings is more offense that the Rockets don't need; he'd be a huge waste of money that could be spent on two above average players.

 

1. He can't win in LA...they would be paying him and Kobe $40+ million
2. Lakers aren't good enough...Kobe is coming off a 2nd major injury
3. Lakers are not good enough with NO players..not even mediocre ones
4. Lakes give him the opportunity to get taxed out the ass for a lifestyle that he can get anywhere and the 1-2 punch between state and federal taxes can not be passed.
6. LA is an option but team's lack of talent, lack of real capspace to get MORE talent besides Carmelo, no future long term plan, etc. are problems.

 

LOL at 4.

 

Rose is injury prone, but Kobe isnt?

Bulls made it to the playoffs in the East without Rose. Lakers had a top 10 pick without Kobe.

 

Yeah, pretty much, because if it's into the luxury, it means we've created a "superteam" and he'll pay to win.

 

This can't be real.

1. True, but he'd have a better chance than in LA
2. True, but still a better chance than in LA
3. True, but still a better chance than in LA
4. Kobe is done and everyone knows it.
5. Close to the only option.

 

Yes I think so! Mr. Alexander just wants to WIN!!!

 

LOL @ 1-2 punch between him and Kobe. Looks like the urge to go back to the buffet for 3rds is what cannot be passed:

 

Who are these two above average players you speak of? Not that easy to get them. Was hoping for a Lowry/Pau or Lowry/Millsap or whatever combo myself, but that's harder than getting just Melo.

Least Melo will retain value if we move him later.

 

Maybe he meant 1-2 paunch

 

Melo isn't going to LA because he doesn't have a chance to win a championship there, not going to Dallas because Dirk just signed his extension that takes them out of the picture due to salary issues, the two teams with the best chances in my opinion are Houston then Chicago, he wants to win a championship and we're the best place for him to win one with Dwight James and Chandler (he's staying). So basically I think LA and Dallas are out. Knicks remains a small possibility too I think.

 

Well played, sir. Well played.

 

Ramona: Lakers pitch?

Been inside Lakers facility for over 2 hours. In Jeanie Buss' office with all the trophies and rings. James Worthy, Tim Harris, Jim & Jeanie Buss, Time Warner LA execs all there, and Kobe hopes to meet with Carmelo later tonight.

Everything we hear is the Knicks are the favorite.

J.A. Adande: Pitch him on the broader aspects. What it means to be a Lakers, the contacts you can make, the platform of being a Laker. There's so much else to being a Laker. Look at what it's done for Paul and Griffin. Your platform will be huge.

Broussard: They don't have a chance unless they got someone else with Carmelo.

No decision tonight. He'll look over it over the long holiday weekend. I think he stays in New York but will take most, if not all, of the weekend.

P.J. Carlesimo: New York
J.A. Adande: Additional $30 million will be the last word.

 

Kobe Bryant is going to give Melo the old "I can help make you into a champion" bit that I'm sure all superstars love to hear.

 

Knicks - crappy roster
Bulls - DR's knee
Lakers - Kobe is 35
Mavs - Dirk is 36

If he wants to win, Houston. If he wants money/comfort, stays in NY.