The Los Angeles Lakers’ free agent signings so far this summer have been a mixed bag.
On the questionable or even bad side, they signed Lonnie Walker IV, an athletic guard who is an inconsistent shooter and lackluster defender, to their mid-level exception, and Troy Brown Jr., a so-so 6-foot-6 wing, to the veteran minimum salary.
On the other hand, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson and centers Damian Jones and Thomas Bryant should help the team significantly.
Earlier this week, the Lakers introduced their new players to the media, and while promoting them on Twitter, they may have inadvertently telegraphed their plan regarding Carmelo Anthony.
Always a special moment 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/TMccfX2ueW
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 6, 2022
Brown will apparently wear No. 7, the same number Anthony wore this past season.
Anthony signed with L.A. last summer, finally giving him a chance to play with his close friend LeBron James after both of them had spent 18 years in the NBA.
Anthony became a fan favorite and is a very likable man, especially when one considers his activism off the court, but his on-the-court play was inconsistent.
The Lakers badly need accurate 3-point shooting, and while Anthony shot an outstanding 42.7% from downtown at home, that figure fell to a cold 31.9% in road games.
L.A.’s free agent signings have also shown how intent the front office is on fielding a younger and more athletic and energetic roster.
There hasn’t been any news on whether the team is interested in bringing back the former Syracuse University star.
Many Lakers fans may not like it, but at the moment, it seems like Anthony will not be wearing the Purple and Gold next season.
