Los Angeles Lakers news: While everyone is talking where LeBron James is going, the Lakers are building a plan in order to regain its former glory that has departed from the team last season. 

According to a report by Bleacher Report, the purple and gold franchise are eyeing scoring machine Carmelo Anthony who has opted out of his final year in New York and decided to pursue free agency this pre-season. 

A number of teams have showed their interest in getting Anthony, including the Bulls and the Rockets.

However, for the Lakers getting Anthony would not only allow them to become instant title contenders, but perennial favorites in a very competitive Western Conference. 

During the team's offer to Anthony, they made it perfectly clear that the one-time scoring champion would get a maximum 4-year contract worth $96 million. 

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks met with Melo later and offered him an even bigger 5-year deal worth $129 million. 

For a player who seeks at least a Finals apperance and eventually an NBA title in his career, both offers are enticing - the Lakers are a champion team who is missing a piece of the puzzle, while the Knicks are on the right direction with the Zen Master himself Phil Jackson together with faithful disciple and now coach Derek Fisher. 

To make things more interesting, a source close to the situation says that if Melo decides to go to L.A., then veteran forward Pau Gasol would most likely return. 

So if Melo decides to become a Laker and wear the purple and gold jersey, then it would be a two-in-one advantage for Los Angeles. 

Now that the Black Mamba will return from his injury, the Lakers are suddenly the heavily favored team in the West, of course behind the reigning champs - the San Antonio Spurs.