Report: Lakers offer Carmelo Anthony maximum contract

The Los Angeles Lakers will offer free-agent forward Carmelo Anthony a maximum contract of four years and approximately $95 million, ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne

The Los Angeles Lakers will offer free-agent forward Carmelo Anthony a maximum contract of four years and approximately $95 million, ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne reported Thursday evening.

Anthony met with both the Lakers and New York Knicks on Thursday, concluding a free-agent tour that included stops in Chicago, Dallas, and Houston. 

Anthony, a seven-time All-Star, is one of the most highly sought-after free agents following his decision to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Knicks. In free agency, Anthony will be in position to sign a five-year contract with New York that could be worth approximately $129 million if he decides to return. With another team, the most he could sign for is about $95.8 million over four years.

It's unclear when Anthony will make a final decision on his future. The New York Daily News reported the Knicks hope to receive a verbal commitment from Anthony after their meeting, but cited a source saying such a commitment is unlikely. Reports from both Yahoo Sports and the Wall Street Journal said Anthony will make a decision sometime over the holiday weekend.

Anthony averaged 27.4 points and 8.1 rebounds last season with the Knicks.

THIS JUST IN: Lakers will offer Carmelo Anthony a max four-year, $95 million contract. (via @ramonashelburne) pic.twitter.com/jvB1wIJT3X

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