Carmelo Anthony to join the Portland Trail Blazers - Los Angeles Times
Advertisement

Carmelo Anthony to join the Portland Trail Blazers

Lakers forward LeBron James and Rockets forward Carmelo Anthony chat during a break in play on Oct. 20, 2018, at Staples Center.
(Haryy How / Getty Images)
Share via

The Portland Trail Blazers are signing forward Carmelo Anthony, ending the 10-time All-Star forward’s exile from the NBA, according to people not authorized to speak publicly.

Portland has been decimated by injuries to its front court. Anthony hasn’t played since Nov. 8, 2018, when the Rockets decided he was no longer a part of their plans. He’s been a free agent since February.

Portland has won only four of its 12 games after making a surprise run to the Western Conference finals last season. The Trail Blazers will try to get Anthony to succeed as a role player, something Houston and Oklahoma City were unable to do with Anthony during his last two stops.

Advertisement

Anthony played in 10 games for Houston last season, averaging 13.4 points on 40.5% shooting and 5.4 rebounds.

Portland began the season with starting center Jusuf Nurkic sidelined until February because of a leg injury he sustained last season while reserve forward-center Pau Gasol has been dealing with a foot injury since training camp. Power forward Zach Collins (shoulder) was injured early in the season and is out until March.

The Lakers are off to one of the best starts in franchise history, and the next seven games present a prime opportunity for the team to rack up more wins.

Nov. 14, 2019

Advertisement