Carmelo Anthony faces his 19th season in the NBA with some uncertainty about his role. After being a superstar for many years, the forward has taken on a more secondary role as his career progresses, and right now it is not entirely clear how much weight he can carry in the Lakers rotation. However, in his recent statements he has assured that he is at a point in his career where that is the least of it, and that he will agree to do what Frank Vogel asks of him.
“At this point in my life, I’m honestly going to do what has to be done,” he said after training on the third day of training camp. “I can’t ask myself to be a starter, play a certain number of minutes or not be on the bench at times. Whatever it has to be, it will be”.
«I already have 18 or 17 years of experience as a starter and another year of experience starting from the bench. The truth is that it is not something that worries me.
Said year starting as a substitute has been the latter, in which, despite having a minor role, he has been an important player in Portland. Melo has averaged 13.4 points per game with a 40.9% accuracy in triples, and has earned the right to once again be a man of value in the league after a few years relegated to the ostracism.
Vogel, for his part, acknowledged that he trusts that the forward has a relevant role in the team, although he still does not know how that will translate in practice: “When we spoke before he signed, I told him that I saw him playing an important role. . I don’t know what that will mean, if he will start or if he will start from the bench, but I am clear that it will be a factor to take into account for us.
It certainly seems like good news for the Lakers to see such experienced players so willing to put themselves at the service of the team. Recently, Dwight Howard made a similar comment about just doing what is asked of him for the collective good, which will undoubtedly be the way to go if Angelenos want to conquer a new ring.
(Cover photo: Harry How / Getty Images)
