LeBron: Carmelo 'belongs in this league'
LeBron James gave his close friend Carmelo Anthony a vote of confidence as the latter prepares to make a comeback with the Portland Trail Blazers.
"I don’t think about the naysayers. But obviously there’s going to be some motivation now. He belongs in this league," James said on Friday, according to USA Today's Mark Medina.
Portland's need for Anthony stems largely from the team's lack of depth at power forward, a weakness amplified during Zach Collins' absence.
Anthony last played in an NBA game for the Houston Rockets on Nov. 8, 2018. He struggled mightily in that contest, registering two points on 1-for-11 shooting.
Now the 35-year-old gets a chance to start fresh.
"I’m happy the Blazers gave him an opportunity. He’ll make the most of it," James added.