Melo Needs Same Mentality as LeBron James

That championship approach is going to have to start at the top with not only Ham but also with LeBron James, whom James and Anthony were two of the top three picks in the 2003 NBA Draft. James was taken first overall, and Anthony was selected two spots later at third overall.

As much as scoring is what it takes to win a game, the defense has to be a priority next year with everyone on the roster, including James and Anthony.

Although both of them are both in their late 30s, it is still possible to have a defensive mentality.

During the Lakers’ championship season in 2020, James’ plus/minus for the entire season was +441. However, this past season, James posted a -117, which was the second minus season of his career, which only came during his rookie year in Cleveland during the 2003-04 season.

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The plus/minus statistic identifies how a player impacts a game, whether or not that player has the ball. It comes from forcing turnovers or grabbing offensive and defensive rebounds that lead to more possessions to score. It is also tipping balls to gain possession or diving on the floor.

The relationship between James and Anthony goes a long way, even outside the NBA, such as for Team USA in the Olympics, and how they are ambassadors for the league to the community. That goes hand in hand in building the chemistry two have built going all the way back to draft night 19 years ago.

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As long as LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony are on the same page and can be for next season, it should be a reason to bring him back to the Purple and Black.