Frank Isola Says Laker Deal Rejected

Lakers turned down deal for Carmelo because owner's son unwilling to part with Andrew Bynum

BY Frank Isola

The Lakers recently turned down a deal for Carmelo Anthony because Jim Buss, the owner's son, does not want to part with Andrew Bynum.

The News has learned that Jim Buss, who holds the title of Lakers VP of Player Personnel, rejected a deal for Anthony, who would gladly sign an extension with the two-time defending champs.

Buss has strong ties to Bynum, the New Jersey native who Buss drafted right out of high school. It was Buss who refused to trade Bynum to the Nets in a deal for Jason Kidd despite Kobe Bryant pushing for the trade.

In fact, both Kobe and head coach Phil Jackson are in favor of a deal for Anthony.

"If that's the case why don't they just go straight to Jerry Buss and tell him to make the deal," said one league executive.

It's unlikely that Denver would trade Anthony to Los Angeles unless a potential deal included the 7-foot Bynum.