ON AN OVERCAST Tuesday in downtown Los Angeles, Carmelo Anthony strides along a sidewalk in sneakers, black sweatpants and a black hoodie pulled over his head. He's heading toward the Ritz-Carlton hotel, where the Portland Trail Blazers are staying, after making the short trek from shootaround at nearby Staples Center.
His teammates have already departed the arena by bus, but Anthony is slow to leave following a 12-minute media session with a small group of reporters. One day earlier, he was named the Western Conference Player of the Week, his first such honor since 2014.