This has been one of the biggest NBA free agent offseasons ever.

LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and many others have all opted out and are all testing the open market. There's a very high chance that Wade will return to the Miami Heat for a 12th consecutive season. The odds of LeBron James going to the Los Angeles Lakers is extremely low and Chris Bosh is most likely choosing between the Heat and the Rockets.

And through it all, Carmelo Anthony is still out there and he has the best chances of joining the Lakers of any big name free agent. Here's why:

1. He Loves the Spotlight

James loves South Beach and isn't much of a Hollywood guy, much like Dwight Howard. Howard played in Los Angeles for one year and crumbled under the pressure. The thought of playing in a big city with huge media and fan pressure like Los Angeles, New York City, or Chicago would scare James. Anthony isn't as talented as James, but he enjoys the spotlight a lot more.

2. Playing with Kobe

With Kobe Bryant entering his 19th career season (that's a lot of miles) in the NBA and Pau Gasol still a free agent, signing Anthony may just be the Lakers' only hope this offseason. Bryant is still skilled and one of the best shooting guards in today's NBA, so playing alongside Bryant would terrific. Anthony could get championship advice from Bryant, as well as a big contract. Anthony and Bryant are both very good friends off the court unlike Bryant and James, so this may work better than people think.

3. Win a Championship

The last four years, we've seen two teams dominate, the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. High profile players are joining up together in record numbers to win a championship. Anthony has yet to even get close to his first NBA championship, as he only has three playoff series wins in his 11 seasons. He loves New York City, but joining the purple and gold may be his best chance to win a ring. The Lakers don't appear to be a championship-caliber team right now, but as a franchise, they always turn things around.

4. Bulls and Knicks are Tempting, but..

Anthony can choose to go to Chicago, but with Derrick Rose spending more time on the bench than on the court, high doubts still remain. Kobe would certainly benefit by playing alongside Anthony because he could get more resting time and draw less double teams. The Knicks already traded away center and defensive juggernaut Tyson Chandler and point guard Raymond Felton. Imagine how bad that defense might be next season? Head coach Derek Fisher also doesn't have any NBA coaching experience. By signing Anthony, other free agents may follow for L.A. Power forward Pau Gasol may re-sign with the Lakers knowing that two all-stars are with the team.

5. He can Become Kobe Bryant's Successor

Not many sports franchises are as successful as the Lakers. There was the Wilt Chamberlain era, then the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar era, then Magic Johnson took over in the '80s. The '90s were rough for Lakers fans, but then Shaq and Kobe ended that drought. Choosing to go the Lakers is a great future decision for Carmelo Anthony for multiple reasons. Even if Anthony chooses to go the Lakers and things don't work out immediately, he can still take over after Bryant. The franchise will embrace him as "the next one" in Los Angeles. Anthony is also very familiar with the area, as he spends much of his off-season time there.