When I first heard Carmelo Anthony was joining the Lakers, I'll admit I got pretty excited. Having followed his career since his Denver days, I always felt he had that special superstar quality that could elevate any team. His journey with the Lakers might not have been what many expected, but it certainly added another fascinating chapter to his legacy. I remember thinking how perfect this move was - a veteran scorer joining a historic franchise that needed exactly his kind of offensive firepower.
That first game where Melo scored 28 points off the bench against Memphis? That was pure magic. Watching him drain three-pointer after three-pointer reminded everyone why he's considered one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. What many casual fans don't realize is that his impact went way beyond scoring. His presence in the locker room and his mentorship to younger players created exactly the kind of environment Belen described in that interview about team chemistry. While Belen was talking about a different team sport context, his words perfectly capture what Anthony brought to the Lakers: "I'm very happy kasi may kasama kong ganun sa team... halos kalahati na nga ng team, ganun na rin sila." That sense of having someone special alongside you, someone who elevates everyone around them - that's precisely what Melo provided during his Lakers stint.
Throughout the 2021-2022 season, Anthony appeared in 69 games for the Lakers, starting in just 3 of them but averaging 13.3 points per game. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but for a 37-year-old veteran playing limited minutes, they're actually quite impressive. I particularly loved watching his mid-range game - that sweet spot around the elbow where he'd hit those turnaround jumpers that defenders simply couldn't block. His basketball IQ was on full display every time he played, reading defenses and finding openings that younger players would miss entirely.
What really stood out to me was how he adapted his role. Here's a future Hall of Famer, a ten-time All-Star who could have demanded more minutes or more shots, but instead embraced coming off the bench to do whatever the team needed. That kind of professionalism doesn't always get the attention it deserves in today's highlight-reel obsessed NBA culture. His veteran leadership became particularly valuable during that tough stretch in December when the team was dealing with multiple injuries and COVID protocols.
Looking back at Carmelo Anthony's Lakers journey, I'd argue it was more successful than many give it credit for. Sure, the team didn't win a championship during his tenure, but his individual performance and mentorship role provided significant value. His career highlights with the Lakers might not include championship rings, but they demonstrated something equally important - how legendary players can evolve and contribute in new ways. That final game where he scored 20-plus points against Denver felt like a perfect full-circle moment, reminding everyone of his incredible scoring ability that had defined his entire 19-year NBA career. Anthony's Lakers chapter, while brief, added meaningful depth to both his legacy and the team's culture during that transitional period.