The Los Angeles Lakers must sign De’Anthony Melton to fill their need for an on-ball defender. He was limited to just six games with the Warriors last season before tearing his ACL, but the 6’2 guard is the perfect fit in Los Angeles. Melton is a career 36.9 percent 3-point shooter who will take on the challenge of guarding the opposition’s lead ball-handler. The Lakers currently have nobody to fill that role.
Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton are locked into LA’s starting five barring a trade. Their current roster would have Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, and Jarred Vanderbilt battling for the final starting spot. None of those players should be guarding Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, or any of the All-Star point guards in the loaded Western Conference. Pelinka must find that option for the Lakers to be a serious contender.
Melton has his warts, but he could be the steal of the offseason if the Lakers can sign him to a minimum contract. The 6’2 guard is comfortable starting or coming off the bench. He can make connective plays, play stout defense, and sink open shots. That is exactly what the Lakers need.
De’Anthony Melton is perfect fit for the Lakers
The 27-year-old guard should be in his prime, but the injuries are a concern. He has played just 44 games over the last two seasons combined. In his seven-year NBA career, Melton has averaged 50.9 contests per year and has never topped 27.9 minutes per game. The Lakers would have to watch his minutes closely, but Melton is their final chance to fill this hole in free agency.
Los Angeles added Deandre Ayton to start at the five in a risky move. He struggles to protect the rim and has been known to command the ball. The Lakers have several players to attack already. They need a stout perimeter defender, especially with questionable backline defense. There is no better option than Melton unless Rob Pelinka is going to acquire someone on the trade market.
The Lakers signed an absolute steal in Jake LaRavia, but he can’t guard on the ball. They need pieces to build a cohesive roster. Right now, Pelinka is just adding talent and hoping it fits. That is not the way to transform into a championship squad. LaRavia was the Dorian Finney-Smith replacement. Now, the Lakers must fill the holes that caused them to be knocked out in the first-round of the playoffs.
The Los Angeles Lakers have work to do. They must add depth and defense around their two superstars. Pelinka should be working the phones and looking to make a trade. The Lakers would need to clear a roster spot to sign De’Anthony Melton. They could cut Shake Milton’s non-guaranteed salary.
The Lakers cannot be done making moves. Things are slowing down, but there is work to do. LA has the top-end talent to compete for a title. It is on the front office to add the necessary pieces to make it a reality.