Report: Lakers Enter Carmelo Anthony Discussions

Read More: Carmelo Anthony (F - NYK), Andrew Bynum (C - LAL), Metta World Peace (F - LAL), Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets

The L.A. Lakers are the latest team to engage the Denver Nuggets in trade talks regarding All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, reports Chris Broussard of ESPN. Broussard says the Lakers have had “preliminary discussions” with Denver about Anthony, and are willing to send 23-year-old center Andrew Bynum to the Nuggets. Though Lakers forward Ron Artest, according to recent reports, is seeking to leave L.A., Denver is not interested in taking him on.

Bynum has averaged 10.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in his six-year career. A 7-footer with back-to-basket skills, he’d give Denver a true center who can capably play both ends of the floor. He is owed $14.9 million next season, with a team option worth $16.1 million the following year.

While Bynum is an attractive centerpiece to receive in return for Anthony, dealing with the Lakers will be problematic for Denver. As SB Nation colleague Mike Prada points out, Los Angeles does not have any expiring contracts to offer the Nuggets. If Denver GM Masai Ujiri is serious about trimming Denver’s payroll, he may have to reject the Lakers’ offer.