Magic Johnson On WFAN: 'Carmelo Should Stay In New York'
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Magic Johnson says he'll probably have a chat with Carmelo Anthony when the Knicks visit the Lakers on Tuesday.
But don't worry. Johnson won't be speaking with Anthony, who plans to test free agency this summer, about the benefits of bringing his game to Los Angeles.
"You've got to remember, I'm not happy with the Lakers right now. So I wouldn't do that," Johnson said Monday on WFAN's "Boomer & Carton" show.
Earlier this month, the Hall of Famer unsuccessfully lobbied Los Angeles' brain trust for a reunion with 13-time champion Phil Jackson, who was introduced March 18 as the new president of the Knicks.
"I really feel that Carmelo should stay in New York," Johnson said. "Because, you know, if you can win a championship in your home town -- and he could bring the Knicks back -- man, he would be a hero forever."
Johnson said he's talked with Melo and wife La La Anthony, but not since the Knicks hired Jackson.
"With Phil being there now, I think he feels comfortable with ... the direction that the Knicks are going," Johnson said of Anthony.
He added that New York fans are "very lucky" to have Jackson, and not just because it gives the 'Bockers an edge in retaining the seven-time All-Star.
"You've got the right guy," Johnson said. "(Jackson's) a guy that free agents are going to want to play for, a guy that will put Carmelo as well as the other Knicks in a position to win."
Johnson is co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He sold his share of the Lakers in 2010.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories