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2d ago

Carmelo Anthony Says 2011 Lakers Trade Was Finalized Before Falling Through

The newly inducted Hall of Famer revealed on an iHeart Radio podcast that Denver shifted to talks with the New Jersey Nets; coach George Karl pursued Derrick Favors before Anthony’s eventual February 2011 move to the Knicks.

Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during the first half at Staples Center on December 29, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
8/8/25
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Overview

  • Anthony confirmed that a deal sending him and Nenê to the Lakers for Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum was fully negotiated during the 2010–11 season.
  • He said Los Angeles backed out at the last minute, prompting Denver to explore other trade partners.
  • Contrary to earlier reports, initial fallback talks involved the New Jersey Nets before he was traded to the New York Knicks in February 2011.
  • Anthony revealed that Nuggets coach George Karl had separately sought to acquire Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors as part of parallel trade discussions.
  • He shared these behind-the-scenes details on an iHeart Radio podcast with Dwyane Wade ahead of his September Hall of Fame induction and NBA 2K26 cover appearance.