LOS ANGELES — Here are five observations from the Lakers’ 121-118 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday at Staples Center.
No. 9 all-time
At the 3:22 mark of the third quarter, Carmelo Anthony took two dribbles, sizing up Brandon Clarke, before rising up for his fourth 3-pointer to give him his 16th point, passing Hall of Fame center Moses Malone for ninth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
“Carmelo Anthony was awesome tonight,” Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said. “He didn’t crawl up to that milestone. He blew the doors off of it. And I’m super happy for him. He’s been a great culture fit for our group and obviously is really playing at a high level on the floor. He’s got a lot left in the tank and he’s really going to help us this year.”
The Lakers presented Anthony with the game ball in the locker room postgame. He said he wasn’t able to fully process the achievement until after the game, as he was more so focused on trying to help the Lakers get their first win of the 2021-22 season.
“It’s an honor, it’s a blessing,” Anthony said. “But to be in that list, to pass Moses and know what Moses did, what he did for the game of basketball, it’s hard to put it in words. I’m still here doing it. I think that’s what I’m honestly excited about. I’m here in Year 19 still doing what I’m able to do. Still passionate about the game. Still passionate about coming to work every day and getting better.
