Top 5 ex-Lakers who are without an NBA team, featuring Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and more

The LA Lakers were one of the biggest disappointments in the league last season, finishing 33-49. While stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James battled injuries, the rest of the roster struggled to perform consistently. It is no surprise that nearly every veteran from the Lakers' 2021-22 roster remains a free agent through a quarter of the new season.

Here's a look at the top five ex-Lakers who are without a roster.

#1 Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony was a very deserving member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. Only eight players in NBA history have scored more points than the 10-time All-Star. Among active players, Anthony trails only LeBron James on the all-time scoring list.

Melo was still productive on the offensive side of the ball, averaging 13.3 points per game while shooting 44.1% from the field, 37.5% from 3-point range, and 83.0% from the free-throw line.

While his scoring average was down, his shooting percentages were in line, or better than, his career averages. Furthermore, the six-time All-NBA selection's 3.6 win shares were tied for the third-most on the roster, trailing just James and Anthony Davis.

#2 Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard was arguably the biggest snub of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. Despite having limited playing time, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year was right behind Anthony, finishing the season with 3.5 win shares.

Howard, who won the 2019-2020 championship with the LA Lakers, has made eight All-Star teams, eight All-NBA teams, and five All-Defensive teams in his illustrious career. The future Hall of Famer ranks 10th all-time in rebounds and 13th all-time in blocks and is the active leader in both categories.

He is currently playing in Taiwan.

#3 Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo was another member of the 2019-2020 title-winning team that returned last season. The four-time All-Star was traded just 18 games into his second stint with the franchise.

Rondo is currently 14th on the all-time assists leaderboard and fourth among active players.

#4 Isaiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas spent just four games with the LA Lakers last season in his second stint with the team. The two-time All-Star has struggled to find the same level of success that he showed prior to a hip injury.

Thomas, along with Anthony and former Laker DeMarcus Cousins, are hoping to land an NBA opportunity rather than taking their talents overseas.

#5 Avery Bradley

Avery Bradley was the third and final member of the 2019-2020 title-winning team that was brought back two years later. The two-time All-Defensive team selection shot 39.0% from 3-point range last season, showing that he is still capable of contributing.