Carmelo Anthony, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, recently made a surprising claim about his NBA career. In an interview, Anthony revealed that his best year in the league was actually the very last one – when he was playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. This statement has raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike, as Anthony’s time with the Lakers was short-lived and not particularly successful. However, as the saying goes, “save the best for last” – and that’s exactly what Anthony did.
Anthony’s NBA career has been nothing short of impressive. He was the third overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, chosen by the Denver Nuggets. From there, he went on to play for the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and finally, the Lakers. He has been named an All-Star 10 times and has won multiple accolades, including the NBA scoring title in 2013. However, despite all his accomplishments, Anthony believes that his best year was with the Lakers.
The Lakers signed Anthony in the 2019-2020 season, which was also the final year of his contract. Many questioned the move, as Anthony was 35 years old at the time and had not played in the NBA for over a year. However, the Lakers were in need of a veteran presence and Anthony was ready to prove himself once again. And that’s exactly what he did.
Anthony’s role with the Lakers was not a glamorous one – he was a bench player, averaging just 15 minutes per game. But he made the most of his limited time on the court, averaging 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He also shot an impressive 44.7% from the field and 37.5% from the three-point line. These numbers may not seem extraordinary, but they were crucial for the Lakers’ success that season.
The Lakers went on to win the NBA championship that year, with Anthony playing a key role off the bench. He provided much-needed scoring and veteran leadership to a team that was led by superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But more than that, Anthony’s presence in the locker room and on the court was invaluable. He had a positive impact on his teammates, and they were able to learn from his experience and wisdom.
In the interview, Anthony reflected on his time with the Lakers and said, “My best year I ever had was with the Lakers. That last year. That’s the most comfortable I’ve felt in a long time.” This statement may come as a surprise to many, as Anthony’s previous seasons were filled with individual accolades and personal success. But for Anthony, it was not about the numbers – it was about being part of a winning team and contributing in any way he could.
Anthony’s claim has been met with mixed reactions from fans and critics. Some believe that his best year was with the Denver Nuggets, where he led the team to the playoffs for eight consecutive years. Others argue that his best year was with the New York Knicks, where he had a career-high average of 28.7 points per game. But for Anthony, it was with the Lakers where he truly felt like he was at his best.
As Anthony’s NBA career comes to a close, he leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. He may not have won multiple championships or MVP awards, but he has always been a consistent and reliable player throughout his 18-year career. And his final year with the Lakers was a testament to that. As he moves on to the next chapter of his life, Anthony can look back and say that he saved the best for last – and that’s something to be proud of.
