Report: Lakers still interested in Melo

The Los Angeles Lakers maintain an interest in reported soon-to-be free agent Carmelo Anthony, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Houston Rockets reportedly traded Anthony to the Chicago Bulls on Monday and Chicago is expected to release him after the deal becomes official Tuesday.

Wojnarowski added the Lakers don't want to waive a guaranteed player to free up a roster spot for the 34-year-old forward.

Reports surfaced in December that LeBron James was interested in bringing close friend Anthony aboard, though James apparently did not make an actual request to Lakers management.

Anthony struggled to adjust to a sixth-man role during his short stay in Houston but could provide the Lakers with another scoring option.