That’s the verdict of NBA insider Michael Wilbon.
Anthony was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Chicago Bulls last month after a failed spell with long-time friend Chris Paul in Texas.
But the Bulls will waive the 10-time All-Star to allow him to become a free agent.
Anthony has now been linked with a move to Los Angeles to link up with another well-known acquaintance in LeBron James, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski declaring that it is “a real possibility” Carmelo could go to L.A.
As it stands, the Lakers do not have a free roster spot in order to bring in 34-year-old ‘Melo.
But the franchise are keen to land Anthony Davis in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans which could see them give up to as many as four players.
The Lakers want to put Davis alongside LeBron before this coming Thursday’s trade deadline (12pm PST/8pm UK time) even though it could force them to give up all of Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Ivica Zubac.
That would then leave the Lakers with space to fill and they could recruit Anthony on a veteran minimum deal with LeBron having enjoyed great success alongside his compatriot at the Olympics, winning gold alongside ‘Melo in 2008 and 2012.
And ESPN writer Wilbon – who spent time with Lakers president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka this week – revealed to The Jump: “We were just eating popcorn! No I tell you what, there was no talk about Melo.
“But just think about this, let’s suppose the deal with the Pelicans goes through.
“Let’s say [Pelicans GM] Dell Demps says yes and they wind up getting the names that have been tossed up.
“You’re trading for a player – or maybe there’s the player and a throwaway – for three or four guys and now your roster is depleted.
“Well who does LeBron trust down the stretch, we’re talking March, April and beyond, who does he trust to play with?
“Obviously they haven’t been teammates in the NBA but they have been on Olympic teams together and situations of international play.
“When you see that tweet from Woj, to meet it just makes sense if you think the trade is going to go through. Who’s LeBron going to play with on the backside?”
Speaking recently, Anthony said of his next possible move: “At this point, I just want to be happy.
“I think I’ve put myself in a good, peaceful mind state right now, [being] able to focus in on what I need to focus in on.
“And whatever’s going to make me happy, then we’re going to make it happen.”
LeBron, meanwhile, declared back in December that he is keen to suit up alongside Anthony after his friend’s failed spells with Houston and Oklahoma City.
He said: “I don’t run the team. There are obviously things that need to be worked out on both sides.
“But I’ve always wanted to play with ‘Melo, and if the opportunity presents itself, it’ll be great.
“So we’ll see what happens.”