In the end, the bright lights of Hollywood were too much for Melo to pass up.
Carmelo Anthony has signed a multi-year deal to join Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, switching coasts to build a new legacy at the Staples Center.
After spending the first seven-plus years of his NBA career with the Denver Nuggets, Anthony was shipped to the New York Knicks as the centerpiece of a blockbuster three-team trade in February of 2011.
Besides winning the NBA regular-season scoring title in 2012-13, Anthony led the Knicks to three playoff appearances - with this past season marking the only campaign during Anthony's time in New York where the team failed to qualify for the postseason.
Now, the seven-time NBA All-Star joins Bryant, first-round draft pick Julius Randle, and a rejuvenated Lakers franchise which now reenters the conversation as contenders in the Western Conference.
With Melo now signed and delivered, Los Angeles general manager Mitch Kupchak is now tasked with adding complementary talent to accent his strengths - a task which shouldn't be too hard with the excitement now surrounding the team.
For more on this landmark day in Lakers history, stay tuned to Chat Sports and our Los Angeles Lakers team page.
Melo's coming to LA! Stay informed as this develops:
Back to the Los Angeles Lakers Newsfeed