The Carmelo Anthony to Los Angeles Lakers rumors have been circulating for months, but now that the veteran forward has been traded to Chicago, and will soon become a free agent, it seems more likely than not that Melo will be donning the purple and gold this season.
According to Bovada, the Lakers are currently the odds on favorite to land Melo once he becomes a free agent. The Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers are also among the teams listed in the Carmelo sweepstakes.
Anthony, who has not played since November 8, was officially dealt to the Bulls on Tuesday as the Rockets also shipped draft rights to Jon Diebler and $1.56 million to Chicago in exchange for draft rights to Tadija Dragicevoc.
Although he is expected to be waived, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski notes that it is possible the Bulls hold off on waiving him until the NBA trade deadline on February 7.
The 34-year old forward averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in a career-low 29.4 minutes per night in 10 appearances with Houston this season.
Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Lakers are certainly interested in adding Melo, but they do not want to waive a guaranteed player to create a roster spot for him. As noted in the odds above, if the Lakers can't find a spot for him, other possible destinations include Portland, Miami and Philadelphia.