Carmelo Anthony Calls Out LeBron James Over Lakers Future

As LeBron James faces growing criticism from Lakers fans, Carmelo Anthony defends his legacy-and hints at a potential homecoming that could reshape the NBA.

LeBron James Stays Put-for Now-but the L.A. Chapter Feels Like It’s Nearing Its Final Pages

LeBron James is still a Laker-for now. The trade deadline came and went without a move, but that doesn’t mean all is well in Lakerland.

In fact, for a vocal segment of the fanbase, the King’s presence has worn thin. And it’s not just fans taking notice.

Carmelo Anthony, LeBron’s longtime friend and former teammate, addressed the growing tension on his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast with a candid take that pulled no punches.

“He’s living long enough to be a villain,” Melo said. “That’s what he’s doing.

He’s doing everything at the top, still at the top of the top. Still holding this league down.

This league don’t move without Bron… Until he’s gone. His position in this game is bigger than just these wins and losses throughout the course of the season.”

It’s a bold statement-but not an unfounded one. LeBron might not be the nightly wrecking ball he once was, but in Year 23, he’s still the face of the NBA.

He’s the league’s most recognizable figure, still drawing crowds, headlines, and defensive game plans. Yet, despite all that, some Lakers fans have never fully embraced him-not when he arrived in 2018, not after delivering a title in 2020, and not even now, as he continues to defy Father Time.

Melo didn’t hold back when addressing the possibility of LeBron walking away this summer, either.

“If you going to be mad at him leaving L.A., f*** is you mad about?” he said.

“You see it writing on the wall… Y’all never accepted him in L.A. anyway from the beginning. So he did what he did, being who he is and did it his way… I should be able to do whatever the f*** I want to do.”

And that’s the heart of it. After everything-four trips to the Finals in Miami, a historic comeback and championship in Cleveland, and a bubble title in L.A.-LeBron has more than earned the right to call his own shot.

If that next chapter leads him back to Cleveland, few would be surprised. Akron is home.

The Cavaliers are rising. And according to former Cavs GM David Griffin, it wouldn’t shock him to see LeBron return.

Donovan Mitchell would certainly welcome him. So would a fanbase that still reveres him for delivering the franchise’s only championship back in 2016. And let’s be honest-add LeBron to this Cavs roster, and they’re suddenly in the thick of the title conversation.

Meanwhile, back in L.A., things are murkier. The Lakers don’t look like real contenders-not this year.

Not with the current supporting cast. Sure, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are putting in work alongside LeBron, but the depth just isn’t there.

Even LeBron himself has admitted this team isn’t championship-caliber. And at 41 years old, with nothing left to prove, he may not be interested in riding out another season that ends in a second-round exit-or worse.

Still, his loyalty can’t be questioned. This is his eighth season in purple and gold-the longest tenure he’s had with any team.

That in itself says something. But the clock is ticking.

Free agency looms this summer, and LeBron will have no shortage of suitors. Even in Year 23, his numbers are rock solid: 22.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, while shooting over 50% from the field.

That’s not just serviceable-that’s starter-level impact on a playoff team.

So, what’s next?

LeBron has earned the right to decide that. Whether it's a farewell tour in Cleveland, a final push with the Lakers, or a surprise move elsewhere, one thing is certain: wherever LeBron goes, the league follows. And until he hangs it up for good, he’ll continue to be one of the most influential forces in the game-whether fans love him for it or not.