Besides, Anthony has to choose from multiple suitors. The Knicks, who can pay him $30 million-plus more than any other team ($129 million over five years total), reportedly got their chance Thursday in LA. The Bulls, Rockets and Mavericks made pitches to Anthony earlier this week.
UPDATE: The Knicks reportedly made a quick, bold counter:
Now that the Knicks have gone to the mat, they’ll have to sweat out a one-on-one meeting between Anthony and good friend Kobe Bryant, who was unable to attend Anthony’s formal get-together with the Lakers.
One big “if” that should slow the roll of folks who want to get an Anthony Lakers jersey based off this report: If Melo teams up with Kobe, the two will make about $45 million combined in 2014-15, more than two-thirds of the Lakers’ salary cap space. There wouldn’t be much money left to build a quality supporting cast.
Does Anthony want to risk that type of roster crunch? Is he willing to take less cash and join a more stable organization? Or does he make it all about the money and returns to New York? We’ll find out … eventually.
