Carmelo Anthony believes LeBron James has earned the right to do whatever he wants

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is in his 23rd NBA season. He is now the longest-tenured NBA player in history, and he looks fresh enough to keep playing after this season.

He is in the last year of his contract with the Lakers, which opens doors for him moving forward. LeBron can return to the Lakers or the Cleveland Cavaliers for one final run, but he could move away and join another team.

Carmelo Anthony believes LeBron James can call his own shots

With LeBron in the final year of his contract, questions are swirling around his status for the 2026-27 season. It is a mystery for a lot of people, which makes it an exciting situation to follow.

Longtime friendly rival Carmelo Anthony believes that James can do whatever he wants. He has brought so much value to the league that he has earned a decision that won't be scrutinized too much.

MORE: LeBron James linked to farewell tour in Cleveland

The Lakers seem intent on heading into a new direction with Luka Doncic as the cornerstone. That is a fair assessment, but some fans might have been good with parting ways with James at the trade deadline.

It is a crazy idea that has led Anthony to campaign for James to decide without thinking twice. That is a good mentality to have, especially for a superstar who has dominated the league for over two decades.

"He's living long enough to be a villain. If you're going to be mad at him for leaving LA, what are you mad about? You're pushing him out in a sense," Anthony said on his 7PM in Brooklyn show.

"He did what he did being who he is, and did it his way. At this point at year 23, I can do whatever he can do... This league doesn't move without Bron. I don't care what nobody say."

Moving forward, LeBron's decision will always be a blockbuster story. He is still the biggest name in the sport, so he will draw headlines. However, some people's reactions might be a bit weird, which Anthony says should not matter to James anymore.

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