As I said in a recent posting don't be surprised if you hear outrageous rumours between now and the trade deadline of February 24th. It happens every year at this time as teams become buyers or sellers depending on where they are in the standings and what they see in their future. Expect it to be even wackier than ever this year as the uncertain climate around the negotiations of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement will add more spice to the mix.
So here is the latest with Carmelo Anthony as rumours have the Los Angeles Lakers in the mix for Anthony's services. Not that acquiring 'Melo would be a bad move. He is one of the most skilled offensive players in the NBA as he possesses the ability to score from any spot on the floor as he can handle the ball and create his own shot both on the perimeter and in the post.
But a word of caution, this is not fantasy basketball and the players have to mesh on the floor. In past title seasons, the Lakers have had good chemistry and this is a two time championship team. What haunts them currently is the performance of some key pieces. Is it time for a move, or just the mid-season malaise that they, and all title teams seem to go through at some point in the season before the playoffs? Phil Jackson is not one to make or advocate hasty moves, as reports say that he wants to see how the team performs in the rematch with Boston this Thursday. If a deal is made for Anthony, it will be about quickly integrating him into the system and it could be very tricky for a team with high expectations. He will need to have a clearly defined role and be disciplined in that role if, and it's a big if, the trade is made. As a recent point of reference, it took Miami about six weeks at the start of the season and the intensity in games post all-star break is far greater than those in late October or November.
Think about it, only three times in the last 30 years has there been a major star, a guy who can seriously move the needle, traded to a title contender that has resulted in that team winning the championship. It's up for debate but by my standards we're talking Rasheed Wallace to Detroit in 2004, Clyde Drexler to Houston in 1995, and Mark Aguirre in 1989. There have been nice "add ons" here and there, but nothing with the magnitude of those three aforementioned players. You need time to integrate a star and not sure if Los Angeles has the time, plus ignoring what parts they would lose, to get it all together.
Do you want more from "silly season"? How about this chatter regarding Orlando Magic centre Dwight Howard and his contract "Superman" has upcoming free agency following the 2013 season should he not sign an extension but folks in Orlando may be getting a bit "antsy" as he has an early termination, if he decided to use it. Magic fans have already seen a dominant big man walk away when Shaquille O'Neal left Orlando for Los Angeles.
