This Day in Basketball History
1984 - Carmelo Anthony is born
Carmelo Kyam Anthony is born in Brooklyn, New York. His mother, Mary, raises Melo and his three older siblings on a housekeeper's salary when his father, Carmelo Iriarte, dies of liver failure when Melo is just two years old.
He is raised in Baltimore and becomes the No. 1 high school player in the country. He transfers to Oak Hill Academy, a private Virginia school, to meet Syracuse's academic requirements once he commits.
As a freshman, he leads Syracuse to the national title in 2003 and is drafted by the Denver Nuggets third overall that same year.
At 30, Anthony is a three-time Olympic medallist, NBA scoring champion, and a seven-time All-Star in his decade-long NBA career. He's still not winning any championships with the New York Knicks.
2010 - Lakers win the West
For the third straight season (and on the third straight May 29), the Los Angeles Lakers win the Western Conference Finals.
The Lakers defeat the Phoenix Suns, 111-103, for a 4-2 series win on a Saturday night. The team goes on to win the NBA championship against the Boston Celtics - its second consecutive title.
In 2009, on the exact same date, L.A. beats the Denver Nuggets 119-92 for another 4-2 series victory, and best the Orlando Magic in the Finals to win the championship.
And on May 29 in 2008, the Lakers defeat the San Antonio Spurs 100-92 to win the West series, 4-1. They drop the Finals to the Celtics.
Birthdays
1987 - Alonzo Gee
1932 - Richie Guerin
1976 - Raef LaFrentz