Playoff chances are sliding off the table for the Los Angeles Lakers and with that contract talks with free agent Carmelo Anthony are on hold, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday.
Lakers News: Zach Randolph To LA Might Happen With Carmelo Anthony News – https://t.co/ZkGXmH1fVJ pic.twitter.com/WtnT5fPtOR
— Brandon Robinson (@ScoopB) March 4, 2019
The Lakers had been considering signing the 34-year-old but four losses in the past five games have pushed them to 10th place in the Western Conference, 4.5 games behind San Antonio for the final playoff spot with 19 to play.
Wojnarowski said both sides are pondering whether it makes sense to add Anthony to a team with dwindling chances to make the playoffs.
According to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Lakers’ chance of a playoff berth is less than 1
Anthony, who entered the NBA in 2003, hasn’t played since November, when he and the Houston Rockets agreed to part ways after 10 games. He was traded to the Chicago Bulls in January and subsequently waived.
The Celtics are also rumoured to be in-contention for the star in an aim to strengthen their offensive.
‘Because he's the hero Boston deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we'll hunt him. Because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector. A Melo Knight’#carmeloanthony #CUSRise pic.twitter.com/0kWzR8RgJn
— Celtics Fan Page (@Celtics_FanPG) March 4, 2019
A 10-time All-Star, Anthony has a career average of 24 points per game.
#NBA BREAKING NEWS: Carmelo Anthony says he will NOT be joining the #Lakers until they can get back into playoff contention. He was quoted saying “I ain’t playing with these pieces of garbage.” (via @wojespn) pic.twitter.com/QKSEQUDyAh— Yahoo Sports (@YaahooSports) March 5, 2019