Top 5 ex-Lakers who are without an NBA team, featuring Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and more
The LA Lakers were one of the biggest disappointments in the league last season, finishing 33-49. While stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James battled injuries, the rest of the roster struggled to perform consistently. It is no surprise that nearly every veteran from the Lakers' 2021-22 roster remains a free agent through a quarter of the new season.
Here's a look at the top five ex-Lakers who are without a roster.
#1 Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony was a very deserving member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. Only eight players in NBA history have scored more points than the 10-time All-Star. Among active players, Anthony trails only LeBron James on the all-time scoring list.
Melo was still productive on the offensive side of the ball, averaging 13.3 points per game while shooting 44.1% from the field, 37.5% from 3-point range, and 83.0% from the free-throw line.
While his scoring average was down, his shooting percentages were in line, or better than, his career averages. Furthermore, the six-time All-NBA selection's 3.6 win shares were tied for the third-most on the roster, trailing just James and Anthony Davis.
#2 Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard was arguably the biggest snub of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. Despite having limited playing time, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year was right behind Anthony, finishing the season with 3.5 win shares.
Howard, who won the 2019-2020 championship with the LA Lakers, has made eight All-Star teams, eight All-NBA teams, and five All-Defensive teams in his illustrious career. The future Hall of Famer ranks 10th all-time in rebounds and 13th all-time in blocks and is the active leader in both categories.
He is currently playing in Taiwan.
DWIGHT HOWARD attempted 10 THREES during his ridiculous debut in Taiwan
38 Points
14/32 Shooting
2/10 Threes
8/12 Free Throws
25 Rebounds
9 Assists
4 Blocks
https://t.co/wJztp0RLoT
#3 Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo was another member of the 2019-2020 title-winning team that returned last season. The four-time All-Star was traded just 18 games into his second stint with the franchise.
Rondo is currently 14th on the all-time assists leaderboard and fourth among active players.
#4 Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas spent just four games with the LA Lakers last season in his second stint with the team. The two-time All-Star has struggled to find the same level of success that he showed prior to a hip injury.
Thomas, along with Anthony and former Laker DeMarcus Cousins, are hoping to land an NBA opportunity rather than taking their talents overseas.
Carmelo Anthony, DeMarcus Cousins and Isaiah Thomas have shown “zero interest” in playing in Taiwan, reports @TheSteinLine.
They are still on the hunt for NBA jobs. https://t.co/NX73Kgwbmz
#5 Avery Bradley
Avery Bradley was the third and final member of the 2019-2020 title-winning team that was brought back two years later. The two-time All-Defensive team selection shot 39.0% from 3-point range last season, showing that he is still capable of contributing.