Free agent F Carmelo Anthony yesterday traveled to United Center to meet with Bulls execs and "was greeted with banners of himself Photo-shopped wearing a Bulls No. 7 uniform," according to Frank Isola of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. The marquee also "showed the image of the Larry O'Brien Trophy as a way to stress to Anthony that his best route to a championship begins" with the Bulls. The Bulls "gave Anthony a tour of their brand new training facility." He was "said to be impressed by the state-of-the art facility but is more intrigued by the idea that the Bulls can compete for a title right away." Bulls G Derrick Rose, "who famously avoided trying to recruit LeBron James to Chicago four years ago," was also part of the Bulls contingent that met with Anthony. Rose and Bulls Fs Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson "all had some type of contact" with Anthony, who next "plans to travel to Texas" today for meetings with both the Rockets and Mavericks. Anthony "will meet with the Lakers" tomorrow (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/2). In N.Y., Marc Berman writes the Knicks "are considered front-runners to re-sign Anthony," but yesterday's meeting with the Bulls "is exactly what he craved -- the courtship experience." Sources said that Anthony yesterday at United Center "walked in with his agent Leon Rose, longtime manager Bay Frazier" and Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, who "rode in the van with his guests." Thibodeau's advisor at CAA is William Wesley, who also consults with Anthony, but "wasn't present" yesterday (N.Y. POST, 7/2). Meanwhile, the Rockets "have rolled out the red carpet" for Anthony today. Toyota Center is "decorated for the seven-time NBA All-Star" as photos of Anthony "in a Rockets’ red and yellow alternative jersey and home white uniform, wearing No. 7, are featured on the marquee" (CHRON.com, 7/2).
LAKE SHOW: In L.A., Mark Medina reports Lakers Exec VP/Business Operations Jeanie Buss will be "among the lead principals" in tomorrow's meeting with Anthony, alongside Exec VP/Player Personnel Jim Buss and GM Mitch Kupchak. Jeanie "chose to sit out the Lakers’ meeting last summer with Dwight Howard" because the two "had struck a close relationship." It "is not clear how the Lakers will construct their sales pitch to Anthony" or if G Kobe Bryant will participate in the meeting (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 7/2).
