WATCH: Carmelo Anthony Gets His First Bucket for the Lakers With a Classic Catch and Shoot Three Pointer

The emotions are at a high as the NBA makes its return. The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Bay on opening night. Trying to find their first win since preseason, the Lakers will be desperate to outperform their rivals. With so much riding on the contest, it is living up to regular-season standards.

While the Lakers did not enjoy the preseason, Melo sure benefitted from it. He got into rhythm every single game and also understood the Lakers’ system. His role off the bench will serve to be critical for the purple and gold who have title aspirations this season.

October 14, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots the basketball against Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers have many new additions in their lineup. Notably, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. Hence, it is crucial for them to get them going. Melo took no time as he put in his first points with the utmost confidence.

WATCH THIS STORY- Looking Back at The Sneakers Michael Jordan Donned En route to His Six NBA Championships

Melo’s first Lakers bucket

Ever since making his return to the league, Melo has slowly built his game. Adapting to the bench role, he has to make the most of his time on the floor. While it would take most players time to settle in with their new team, Melo is feeling it right away.

https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1450653213028274180?s=20

Checking in halfway through the first quarter, Melo made his Lakers regular-season debut. It took a couple of minutes, but he got his first bucket and he looked confident. It started with a Melo board as he pushed the ball up the court. Rondo brought it down and kicked it back to Carmelo Anthony. Without a second thought, Melo launched a three, making his first basket as a Laker.

Likewise, it got the crowd to roll as the veteran got his first bucket. However, since that bucket, Melo has struggled. He is shooting 2/7 from the field and has 5 points to his name midway in the second quarter. Westbrook is yet to see himself score his first points as a Laker, failing to convert anything in his 4 shots.

READ MORE- ‘I Don’t Know’: Larry Bird Refused To Acknowledge Stephen Curry as The Best Shooter

However, the original Lakers duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis are on song. Both have tallied 14 points each with James yet to miss a shot from the field. A lot rides on opening the season with a win. Do you think the Lakers can finally get back to winning ways?

The post WATCH: Carmelo Anthony Gets His First Bucket for the Lakers With a Classic Catch and Shoot Three Pointer appeared first on EssentiallySports.