NBA Trade Rumors: Stephen A. Smith says Carmelo Anthony should join the Lakers

Yesterday, the Houston Rockets agreed to trade away Carmelo Anthony to the Chicago Bulls. The 34-year-old had not featured for them since mid-November, after Houston and Melo decided to go their separate ways following a tough start to the season.

Nevertheless, the Bulls are rumoured to be looking to either trade or waive the 10-time All-Star, so he's likely to be on the lookout for another team. Over the past two months, Anthony has been heavily linked with a move to the Los Angeles Lakers and during today's edition of ESPN's First Take, Stephen A. Smith publicly stated his belief that his presence could help improve the Lakers going forward.

He said, "The two ideal spots for Melo are LA [Lakers] and Philly [76ers]. LA with LeBron to me is an ideal spot above all else. In LA with Luke Walton's system, the up-tempo, with LeBron running the show, knowing his man, having something to improve, all of this coming together in LA - I think that is the favourite situation for Melo."

During his 10-game spell in Houston, Anthony averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and the ex-Knicks man is available on a veteran's minimum deal. His last NBA appearance was back on November 15, though he has been training in New York ahead of a potential return this season.

The Lakers meanwhile, have struggled since LeBron James was injured during their Christmas Day win over the Golden State Warriors. Luke Walton's men currently sit 9th in the Western Conference standings, with the Lakers only winning five games without their superstar.

You can find the full video of Stephen A's appearance on First Take below: