Carmelo Anthony has confirmed one of the NBA’s biggest “what if” scenarios. According to his own statement, the star forward was close to a move to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011 – but in the end, everything turned out differently.
In a conversation with Dwyane Wade on the WY Network, Anthony revealed that he was supposed to move to Los Angeles along with Nene in exchange for Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum. “The deal was done. I never thought about New York. But when they rejected the trade, it was clear: ‘Okay, you don’t want me in the West. Then send me to the East,’” said the ten-time All-Star.
Originally, a move to the New Jersey Nets had even been planned before the Knicks came into play. According to Anthony, Nuggets coach George Karl had been working behind the scenes on a deal with Utah for Derrick Favors, whom he saw as a Nene type.
In the end, however, Anthony ended up in New York, where he enjoyed individual success but failed to make it to the NBA Finals. In retrospect, the missed Lakers deal is considered a possible turning point for both sides – the Lakers were unable to extend their championship streak after 2010, and Anthony ended his career in 2022 without a title but with over 28,000 points.