Carmelo Anthony doesn’t mention LeBron James as one of his favorite teammates
Carmelo Anthony Omits LeBron James from List of Favorite Teammates
In a recent conversation on “7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony & The Kid Mero,” Carmelo Anthony sparked discussion by naming J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin as his favorite teammates during his 19-year NBA career, notably leaving out LeBron James. This revelation has raised eyebrows, especially considering Anthony and James are close friends, part of the famed “banana boat crew,” which also includes Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul.
The bond between Anthony and James has been well-documented, particularly after a memorable incident in which James reportedly saved Anthony from a dangerous situation while they vacationed in the Bahamas. Their friendship deepened further when they played together on the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2021-22 season, a partnership that, despite high expectations, did not lead to playoff success. The Lakers, featuring not only Anthony and James but also Russell Westbrook, struggled significantly and failed to qualify even for the play-in tournament.
When discussing his favorite teammates, Anthony reflected fondly on his time with Smith and Martin, who were integral parts of the Denver Nuggets’ roster during their successful 2008-09 season, which culminated in a trip to the Western Conference Finals. He emphasized the deep connection he shared with them, stating, “We spent a lot of time together to the point where I don’t even have to look at you, and you know what type of mode I’m in.”
Anthony, Smith, and Martin formed a cohesive unit during their time in Denver, leading the team to 54 wins that season before being eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant. Smith and Martin would later join Anthony with the New York Knicks, while Smith also played alongside James on the Cleveland Cavaliers, where they reached four consecutive NBA Finals and claimed a championship in 2016.
While Anthony’s omission of LeBron James from his list of favorites might seem surprising, it underscores the unique and lasting relationships he formed throughout his career, particularly with Smith and Martin.
