Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons team should sign Carmelo Anthony

2. The Lakers need a cheap fix

Let’s not pretend like these Lakers are perfect, because they’re far from it. Even when LeBron James is healthy, there are a lot of problems that have persisted throughout the season. While signing Carmelo is no solve-all, it would at least be a step in the right direction.

Put simply, the Lakers need someone else who can consistently put the ball in the basket.

Part of the problem in 2018-19 has been Los Angeles’ inability to close out games. They often build a solid lead through the first three quarters, only to squander it in the final one. James gets worn down, or the defense simply puts the clamps on him. When it comes time for another scorer to step up, no one answers the call.

Carmelo could be that dependable second scoring option. Now that’s not to discredit players like Kyle Kuzma or Brandon Ingram, who have both taken sizable steps forward this season. However, when it comes to performing in the clutch, nothing beats experience, which Anthony has plenty of.

Even during his short time with the Rockets, Anthony had a couple of scoring outbursts. On three separate occasions he broke the 20-point mark, including two outings during which he sank six 3-pointers.

To top it off, he wouldn’t cost the Lakers much or require a long-term deal. Carmelo can be signed at the veteran minimum for the remainder of the season, keeping the payroll intact without eating into the Lakers’ cap space for 2019-20.

Sure, there’s the potential for things to go south like they did in Houston. And yet, what’s life without a little risk?