Los Angeles Lakers' Magic Johnson Tells Carmelo Anthony to Stay With New York Knicks

Los Angeles Lakers basketball great Magic Johnson has advised All-Star small forward Carmelo Anthony to re-sign with the New York Knicks this coming summer.

Johnson, a five-time NBA champion with the Lakers back in the 80s, said Anthony should stay loyal to the Knicks and help the organization build a championship caliber team.

"My advice to Carmelo is to stay in New York and build a championship team at home," tweeted Johnson, who has been critical of the franchise as of late.

Anthony's Future with the Lakers?

Johnson's comments came amidst speculation that Anthony was planning to bolt out of New York City and join the 16-time NBA Champion Lakers when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this coming summer.

According to multiple reports, the Lakers and the Knicks are the front-runners in the Melo sweepstakes, with the Chicago Bulls likely becoming the third team to chase the high-scoring forward during the free agency period.

Sheridan Hoops writer Michael Scotto said the lure of Los Angeles will be greater for Anthony when he officially becomes a free agent, as he believes the Lakers are the only ballclub that can present enough money and the perfect environment for him and his actress wife, La La.

"Should Anthony decide money won't buy happiness this time around, the Los Angeles Lakers represent his best option to join a team with a proven winning track record, the ability to pay him adequately and a fellow star in Kobe Bryant," Scotto said in his report.

"The Lakers can offer a four-year, $96 million deal and are located in a large market that Anthony and his wife, LaLa, desire," the analyst added.

Kobe Bryant and Anthony

Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant recently shared his view about Anthony's upcoming free agency and the possibility he and Melo will team up next season.

Bryant, who has been the face of the franchise for almost a decade, said every basketball player out there wants to play in Los Angeles because of its climate and the winning tradition of the Lakers franchise.

"Kobe asked about free agency & Melo, quipped: "Everybody wants to play in L.A. ... it's cold as [expletive] out here [in NYC]," tweeted Lakers reporter Mike Trudell.