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Los Angeles Lakers: De’Anthony Melton selected 25th in mock draft

By Jason Renner

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, De'Anthony Melton poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, De'Anthony Melton poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers address their backcourt in the latest NBA Mock Draft from Bleacher Report with USC guard, De’Anthony Melton.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been prepping for the offseason for a few weeks. However, now that the NBA season is wrapped up, all eyes are on the 2018 NBA Draft.

The event is set to take place on June 21st, a mere nine days away. With so little time left, teams are putting together their draft-night plans.

With the 25th pick of the first round, the Lakers are hoping to once again strike gold late in the first round. In the latest Bleacher Report mock draft, the Lakers are slated to select USC’s De’Anthony Melton with the 25th overall pick.

Last year, the Lakers had the 27th and 30th pick of the first round (both acquired via trades). Those picks resulted in forward Kyle Kuzma and guard Josh Hart. Both players provided key contributions to the team and are essential pieces of the Lakers young core.

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Per Basketball-Reference, Kuzma and Hart both had win-shares over 3.4 after their rookie season. The Lakers are looking to once again select a steal late in the first-round in this years NBA draft. The Lakers hope Melton can be a similar under-the-radar talent like Kuzma and Hart.

Melton is a 6’4, 190-pound guard from USC. In his lone season with the Trojans, the L.A. native averaged 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

Furthermore, he slashed a decent mark of .437/.284/.706. Though his numbers don’t exactly stand out on paper, Melton is coveted by the Lakers for his stout defense.

Melton averaged 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game for the Trojans. His defensive prowess at the guard position could help the team if Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leaves the team via free agency.

Also, Melton could provide solid backup minutes for Lonzo Ball. He would replace the role that Alex Caruso and Tyler Ennis temporarily filled in last year.

De’Anthony Melton would be a solid selection for the Lakers. He fills the team’s immediate needs which are a backup guard for Lonzo in the rotation as well as a reliable defender.

Next: 5 Guards For Lakers To Consider In 2018 NBA Draft

With 10 days left before the draft, the Lakers plans may change. Though, Melton would be a nice addition for a team shaping up to be a contender in the coming years.

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