Sources: Lakers eye Melo, LeBron for 2014

The Los Angeles Lakers, whose plan to re-sign center Dwight Howard did not pan out this offseason, are poised to rebuild fast by focusing on the two biggest free agents of 2014 -- LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, front-office sources have told ESPN.

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the Lakers have made it clear they are positioning themselves for a run at one and perhaps even two of the superstars who could become free agents in 2014 by refusing to commit to any contract past this next season, multiple sources have said.

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Bryant will be the highest-paid player in the league next season with a $30.5 million salary. For the Lakers to maintain enough room to pursue two max-level free agents, he'd need to play for quite a bit less.

"As a businessman the goal is always to not take a pay cut," Bryant said. "But ..."

Bryant told ESPNLosAngeles.com's Dave McMenamin last week that he intends to be involved in the Lakers' recruiting efforts for 2014 and is looped into the team's decision-making.

"It's an open conversation, via text and also meeting in person and just picking up the phone and calling," Bryant said of his involvement. "They've kept me in the loop pretty well."

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/stor ... james-2014

Melo and Kobe together? If... IF Kobe is going to be more a passer than a ball hogger... maybe they can coexist.... They both need the ball in his hands, Kobe passes a bit... but Melo even with 5 opposite around won't pass it.

LeBron won't go to LA, will go to Houston if they clear some space, i bet it right now

LeBron won't leave Miami for the next...as long as Wade is in Heat. Batman doesn't leave Robin.(Don't come at me with LeBron being Robin)

I can't see Melo in LA as well.

So, *sources* & "rumors" are as far as this headline will go. Black Mamba will have to find another mega-star.

To be honest I can't see LeBron going there primarily because of the "pressure" to be a Laker, I don't think he can handle it.

Eh.

Now Paul George & Greg Monroe sounds like more fun. Both RFA though.

To be honest I can't see LeBron going there primarily because of the "pressure" to be a Laker, I don't think he can handle it.

He's not going there because of Kobe. Not for some silly 'pressure' talk which media invented and cultivated so the Lakers fans can feel special. What pressures, really, winning expectation? Club legacy? Stupid fans? Who really cared historically, everybody wanted to be there because city's an excellent venue for the sport.

Now, LBJ leaving the Heat is quite possible. All depends how the season goes next year. If the Lakers really want to go after him, then they will need to convince him that they have finally taken away the key to the ship from Kobe.

Not for some silly 'pressure' talk which media invented and cultivated so the Lakers fans can feel special. What pressures, really, winning expectation? Club legacy? Stupid fans? Who really cared historically, everybody wanted to be there because city's an excellent venue for the sport.

I still don't see LeBron opting out next year unless it's to sign a bigger deal with the Heat. Melo might be a stronger possibility but he seemed pretty keen to go to New York a couple of years ago and they're relevant again, so the Lakers might want to have a Plan B.

It's also sounding like Kobe will be playing another year or two beyond this season.

in other news the entire nba wants lebron to play for them

Of course what team doesn't want a superstar like Melo and LeBron they are a solid piece if you want to win in the league. Though I like George better although he is an RFA and the Pacers will likely match any offer thrown at him.

in other news the entire nba wants lebron to play for them

Indeed, a truly shocking revelation.

in other news the entire nba wants lebron to play for them

Indeed, a truly shocking revelation.

proof or ban

Reliable sources said so.

i saw it on twitter

Exactly. Reliable sources, like I said.