Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant flew back to LA from Europe so he can attend and play somewhat a role in order to lure costless agent Carmelo Anthony to the Lakers. Kobe and Melo have a great friendship on and off the court. The location where Mitch Kupchak and Kobe will make the pitch to Carmelo is undisclosed.
The Lakers main focus has been to lure two of the biggest names in costless agency this year, one being Anthony the other being Lebron James. The Lakers are still without a head coach and singing other costless agents have possibly been on hold until the Lakers make their pitch to James and Anthony. The Lakers earlier were in contact with Jame's agent, Rich Paul and were hoping a possibility to meet with James but it looks like James and Paul have yet to meet any teams just yet. The Lakers hope to pair Anthony with Bryant and Pau Gasol.
ESPN reported that on Wednesday Oklahoma City Thunder players Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant had made a pitch to Gasol. The Thunder are the front runners on getting Gasol right now despite their financial situations that might put them over the cap space. The Chicago Bulls are scheduled to meet Gasol on Thursday in LA. The Lakers however can give Gasol more money then any team. Not to mention, LA fans and maybe Kobe might be a little pissed if Gasol were to leave. Most likely to be at the meeting will be Kobe obviously, Mitch Kupchak, Lakers president Jeanie Buss, and Executive Vice President of player personal Jim Buss. From what it looks like Jim Buss hasn't been a fan favorite.
Grantland's Zach Lowe reported Monday that the Lakers turned more than $100 million in profits last season --after paying luxury-tax and revenue-sharing fees -- because of their lucrative television and radio contracts.
According to ESPN per Ramona Shelburne
The Lakers' $158 million profit last season (before luxury taxes and revenue sharing) was more than double that of the franchise with the next-highest profit, the Chicago Bulls ($75.7 million profit before taxes and revenue sharing). The Bulls, Mavericks and Rockets all have made pitches to Anthony this week. The New York Knicks are expected to make the final pitch to him, according to ESPNNewYork.com.
