Lakers front office sources have told ESPN.com that the Lakers will in fact pursue both LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony after the 2013-2014 NBA season.Both James and Anthony have opt-out options in their current deals with the Heat and Knicks, respectively.

The Lakers, who have superstar Kobe Bryant under contract for one more season, only have Robert Sacre and veteran Steve Nash on the books for 2014-2015.  This would allow the Lakers to go after two max players in one year's time.  Bryant is rehabbing from an achilles injury and will miss the beginning of the upcoming year.  He could sign for a lower amount after 2013-2014 if he knows there are more titles in sight thanks to big free agent signings.

James is a two-time NBA champion, four-time league MVP, the best player in the league and in his prime, but the title-winning window is closing fast in Miami.  Anthony is one of the top scorers in the NBA, but could grow frustrated by the Knicks not building the proper team around him to pursue a title.

Many around the league feel that both James and Anthony will opt-out of their deals and go where they have the opportunity to win championships for the remainder of their careers.

By:  Mike Lindsley, "Mid-Day with Mike," M-F 1-4, Yankees pre/post game host on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.  Follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/MikeLSports.

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