DENVER (AP) – Carmelo Anthony missed the Denver Nuggets’ shootaround Friday morning because of what coach George Karl called a personal matter.

Asked if Anthony would play Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, Karl initially said, “I hope so.” When pressed if there was a possibility the All-Star forward would miss the game, Karl said: “I don’t think there’s any doubt” he’ll play.

Anthony has been the subject of trade talk since refusing to sign a three-year, $65 million extension last summer.

Two potential blockbuster trades with the New Jersey Nets have fallen apart.

Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri said after the Nets halted negotiations this week that he was still talking to several teams about Anthony.

He could opt out of his contract at season’s end and become a free agent.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)