The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking a number of free agents, including Carmelo Anthony.
Check out the latest buzz below.
Kobe would welcome Carmelo
Kobe Bryant said that he'd “love to play” with Carmelo Anthony.
“We’ve really clicked since 2008. I would love to see that,” Bryant told reporters in Santa Barbara, referring to the time that he and Anthony have played together for the U.S. basketball team.
But for anybody hoping for definitive answers, Bryant had nothing to offer.
“Obviously it’s a hot topic of conversation in terms where everybody is going to go,” he said. “Everybody is here to read tea leaves. I don’t have much to tell you. I don’t have any information you guys don’t already know.”
Bryant said he would also welcome his former teammate, Byron Scott, as his next coach.
“He was my rookie mentor when I first came in the league, so I had to do things like get him doughnuts and run errands for him, things like that,” he said. “We’ve had a tremendously close relationship throughout the years.”
Pau Gasol
The fate of Gasol also has yet to be determined. The San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks are reportedly pursuing the big man.
Bryant said he believed signing Anthony would go a long way to retaining unrestricted free agent Pau Gasol.
“My biggest message to (Gasol) was, ‘Make sure you enjoy this process,’” Bryant said. “‘The ball is in your court. This is your decision to make, don’t feel like the weight is on your shoulders.’ I’m sure if we got Carmelo that would help him make his decision.”
But many reports have said that Gasol’s decision could go the other way as well--if Anthony returns to the Knicks, then Gasol may follow him there.
Then again, the best chance for a championship would likely be with the Spurs, Thunder, or Bulls.
Marc Spears of Yahoo reported that Gasol met with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak on Wednesday night, citing a source.
But it’s unlikely Gasol returns to the Lakers unless Anthony comes on board.
Steve Blake
According to a source, Blake has agreed to a deal with the Portland Trailblazers.
That would mean the guard, who typically serves as a backup, will not return to the Lakers.
Blake is a favorite teammate of Bryant, who expressed displeasure when Blake was traded last season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
