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When LeBron James convinced Carmelo Anthony to join the Los Angeles Lakers, his pitch was simple. In fact, it hinged on one sentence — I want you.
"Bron just came to me one time and said, 'Yo, the time is now. I want you. We got to make this happen,'" Anthony said during his introductory press conference.
"And I just felt like for right now, this is the best time."
Anthony and James have developed a bond that extends far beyond the basketball court. Together, they've helped lead voter registration drives, deliver important messages at the ESPYs and land content deals. For years, many have pushed for Anthony and James to play together, but the two feel that this is the best time for them to unite on and off the court.
"Most people would say we should've gotten together years ago early in our careers, but we were in two different lanes, we were on two different paths. And everything comes full circle, I'll say," Anthony explained.
Anthony is one of many stars heading to Los Angeles to join the 2020 NBA Champions. During the offseason, Dwight Howard, Trevor Ariza and Russell Westbrook have joined the Los Angeles Lakers. Many critics have argued that the Lakers are too old to compete for an NBA title with their current roster, but Anthony seems to think differently.
"We don't care. We make our own narrative," Anthony said.
"I like when people talk about the age. It gives a better story. I think it gives a better story. I think people forget, at the end of the day, it's about basketball. You got to know how to play basketball. You got to have that experience. I think that's what we bring at this point and time. Our talent, our skill, but also our experience."
If Anthony is correct, he could win his first NBA title alongside one of his best friends.
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