Lakers: 3 defensive guards to sign with Avery Bradley opting out

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 01: Avery Bradley #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on March 01, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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3. De’Anthony Melton

De’Anthony Melton is a young point guard that is very good on the defensive end. He is a restricted free agent with the Memphis Grizzlies. So it is possible any deal he signs the Grizzlies will match.

Where it gets interesting is how loaded the Grizzlies are in the backcourt. So if a deal gets to be a little too much, the team could decide to not match. Or they can help facilitate with a sign-and-trade, but to the Lakers it’s not worth it because that would automatically hard cap them.

Melton is very good laterally, so he can keep up with quicker guards. His muscular frame allows him to also defend big guards. Making him versatile in terms of being able to guard multiple positions as Bradley can.

Melton is 6’2 just like Bradley. But possesses a 6’9 wingspan which is two inches more than Bradley. He is good at closing lanes and being able to use his wingspan to deflect passes and deny passing lanes.

His defensive prowess last year helped him put up 1.7 defensive win shares and a 2.0 DBPM. Both very good for only playing in 60 games at a little over 19 minutes per game.

Melton’s struggles come on the offensive end. Which he doesn’t have confidence or consistency. He seems timid to shoot at times and looks out of place on that end.

Good thing is playing with LeBron and Anthony Davis could help his confidence. A possible two-year $8 million deal, could price him out of Memphis.

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