Lakers News: Carmelo Anthony Officially Announces Retirement From NBA
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One-time Los Angeles Lakers reserve Carmelo Anthony has officially announced his retirement from the NBA via his social media accounts. It's a touching, professionally made video, featuring Melo in shades reading a terrifically written prepared statement, over a montage of his on-court exploits, mostly with the two teams for which he was a 10-time All-Star, the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks.
"I remember the days when I had nothing," Anthony begins in the video. "Just a ball on the court, and a dream of something more. But basketball was my outlet. My purpose was strong, my communities. The cities I represented with pride, and the fans supported me along the way. I am forever grateful to all those places, 'cause they made me Carmelo Anthony. But now the time has come for me to say goodbye, to the court where I made my name, to the game that gave me purpose and pride."
The conversation eventually transitions to a screening room, where a silhouetted figure watches projected 'Melo montage footage on an expansive screen.
"My legacy, my son [Kiyan Anthony], is in you," 'Melo continues. "I will forever continue through you. Because the time has come for you to carry this torch. So Kiy, chase your dreams. Let nothing hold you back. Let nothing intervene. My legacy, now and forever, lives on through you."
Kiyan is a 6'3" sophomore shooting guard at Long Island Lutheran High School, ranked by ESPN as the 19th best player at his position among his class.
The 6'7" Carmelo, a guaranteed first ballot Hall of Famer, was technically a free agent for the entire 2022/23 NBA season. The veteran combo forward had performed admirably for the 2021/22 Lakers in a limited bench role as an energy-shifting shooter, one of the few bright spots (along with the emergence of Austin Reaves) in a season to otherwise forget. He also boasts six All-NBA appearances and was a member of the league's 75th anniversary team, which tracked the 75 best players in league history.
Over the course of his 19-year career, which also included stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers, Anthony averaged 22.5 points on .447/.355/.814 shooting splits, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists in the regular season.
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