Carmelo Anthony Sought Will Smith’s Help Only to Play Alongside LeBron James and More

Kobe Bryant’s Team USA for the 2008 Olympics had some of the best scorers in the NBA on the team. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, and obviously the Black Mamba. Yet, the team wouldn’t have looked the same without Carmelo Anthony, who gave a new look to the roster. However, before the 2008 Olympics, his spot on the team was a big question mark. The selections were tight, and Anthony needed some motivation to get into the team. Guess who helped Melo make it to the Beijing Olympics? None other than Will Smith. 

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence joined Carmelo Anthony‘s podcast, “7 PM in Brooklyn”, for the promotion of their upcoming movie ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die‘. Anthony took this moment to show his gratitude to Smith, for motivating him to get a spot in the 2008 Olympics roster. 

Anthony shared, “We was talking about the ’08 Olympics, and you asked me, you said, How bad you want it?’.” Anthony unearthed the stunning truth, “I wasn’t gonna make the USA Team. People don’t know that. I was the last option on the USA team. That’s a fact.” The audience went speechless, and one of them shouted, “What?“, which cracked up Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

Anthony continued, “You gotta understand, that times it was ’08, s*** was going down. I had to go see Uncle Will man. Uncle Will gave me the gems, so I just wanted to give you a shout-out because of that.” What Smith did that day changed the fate of Anthony and his participation in Team USA for the rest of his career. Smith might not be aware of it, but the fans know. 

Carmelo Anthony’s Olympic record in men’s basketball 

Anthony was the fourth-best scorer in Team USA for the 2008 Olympics. With an efficient average of 11.5 points and 4.3 rebounds, Anthony helped his team win the gold medal, which was his first. He was also a part of the 2004 Olympics, but Team USA only got the bronze medal. 

Anthony was picked for the 2012 Olympics as well. He averaged 16.3 points and 4.8 rebounds and bagged his second gold medal. The 10x All-Star’s hunt for gold did not end there. He once again got the first place in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Anthony now holds the record for most Olympic medals held by a basketball player. Thanks to Will Smith!

LeBron James has the chance to tie it this year if he wins another gold medal in the Paris Olympics. Kevin Durant has a shot at it too. However, if KD wins gold, he will surpass Anthony with four gold medals. Let’s see if Anthony can hold his record! 

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video: