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Carmelo Anthony wants to be clear about his reputation.
After scoring 23 points on Sunday night to lead the Lakers to a 95-85 win over Houston, he went out of his way to defend himself.
“I think people don’t really understand me,” Anthony said, per ESPN. “I think there’s a misconception out there about me and not being able to adapt to situations. But I’m easily adaptable, man, to any situation.”
Since leaving the Knicks in 2017, the Lakers are Anthony’s fourth different team. He initially struggled with the idea of playing a supporting role, rejecting the idea of coming off the bench for the Thunder, and struggling in a 10-game stint with the Rockets.
Anthony showed some adaptability the last two seasons with Portland, scoring effectively off the bench. In L.A., there’s been little to complain about through seven games — Anthony is shooting over 50 percent from 3-point range and averaging 16.7 points.
“When it comes to efficiency and as far as what he’s doing right now, we’re just trying to break down the defense and he’s finding himself,” LeBron James said, per ESPN. “Either his man is guarding him and leaving him or he’s in great rhythm. He’s just taking his shots and knocking them down.”
At 37, and playing with one of his best friends in James, it appears Anthony has grown from the player who scoffed, “Who, me?” when asked about coming off the bench in Oklahoma City a few years ago.
“I think for me now it’s just about being mentally prepared for whatever is being thrown at us,” Anthony said. “And the rest will take care of itself. It’s basketball at that point. If you’re open, shoot it. If not, make a play for yourself, make a play for others. The more I can simplify the game of basketball, the easier the game becomes, especially at this stage of your career.”
He’s even impressed Frank Vogel with his defense — an element of Anthony’s game that has always picked up criticism.
“He’s always been good with his hands,” Vogel said, per ESPN. “But he’s in the right position. When you watch him on tape coming into this year, like, the effort’s there. He plays hard on that side of the ball.”
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