Carmelo Anthony in Trade Talks with Knicks, Lakers

By Sharmaine Jones

Following a stellar 50-point, 11-rebound game on Monday, Carmelo Anthony has become the hottest commodity in the NBA. And with the Feb. 24 trade deadline looming and numerous teams interested, the ball is now bouncing in the All-Star forward's court.

The New York native wants out of Denver, preferably to play back home in the Big Apple.

"That's like the ultimate dream at the end of the day," Anthony told ESPN. "Who wouldn't want to go back home to play?"

While the obvious transaction would involve a trade between the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers are making their bid in the 'Melo sweepstakes. The Knicks offered a package deal that would send forward Wilson Chandler to Denver, but, according to ESPN, the Lakers mustered up a package that would include center Andrew Bynum.

"There have been discussions between the two teams," one source said. "The Lakers are definitely an option."

To bring Anthony to Los Angeles, the Lakers would almost have to pull a rabbit out of their hat. With the Nuggets insisting on first-round picks, the Lakers would have to involve a third team in the deal. But if they can satisfy the Nuggets' terms, we may see Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant in the Lakers backcourt, Pau Gasol at center and Carmelo and Lamar Odom at the forward positions. The Miami Heat's “Big 3” would pale in comparison.

As for Anthony's dream of playing in New York, the fact that he and his wife La La bought a house in L.A. valued at nearly $2 million last summer could mean that he's just as cool with living in Cali.

With his fate still undetermined for a few more weeks, we have to wonder about the timing of the Lakers' offer. Is it merely coincidence that their offer became public so soon after the Knicks' bid, or are the Nuggets employing scare tactics to get more out of the deal?

Where would you rather see Carmelo Anthony play, with the Knicks or the Lakers? Tell us what you think in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Andrew Bynum, basketball, Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, New York Knicks, Wilson Chandler