The Lakers are in New York to take on the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. Though Kobe Bryant is still out with a knee injury he was on hand to answer some questions. With Carmelo Anthony breaking Bryant’s MSG scoring record and Anthony’s upcoming free agency, Carmelo was the main topic in questions asked.
Kobe Bryant previously held the record for most points scored in Madison Square Garden when he dropped 61. Carmelo Anthony toppled that feat by scoring 62 points in the Knicks win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday. Bryant was asked how he felt about losing his record.
“I got a lot of messages from people saying, ‘Melo is going after your record tonight,’” Bryant said. “It’s amazing. He just went to work. He got hot and didn’t cool off. I called him that same night just to congratulate him.”
Bryant was also asked about Carmelo potentially coming to the Los Angeles in free agency. The Lakers are one of the teams that can offer Anthony a max contract.
“Everybody wants to play in Los Angeles,” Bryant said with a chuckle. “I mean, New York’s a beautiful place, but don’t get me wrong, it’s colder than shit out here. Palm trees and beaches, obviously, are a little more appealing. But all jokes aside, I think that players, when that time comes, will have to make the best decision for them and their families. If he wants to call me for advice, later, as a friend, I’ll be more than happy to give it to him.”
