Not every offseason move is going to be sexy. Not everything in Hollywood needs to be a blockbuster. Often times, it can be the under the radar maneuvers that have a strong lasting effect on a team.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, this can be executed in the form of targeting De'Anthony Melton in free agency. Jovan Buha described Melton as a 'worthy gamble' on a recent episode of Buha's Block.
"He's been that caliber of guy, ... a low-tier starting guard or a high-tier bench guard," Buha continued. "He's coming off of a significant injury, but it's the type of guy I would take a risk on for a [veteran] minimum contract."
Melton suffered a torn ACL in the 2024-25 season that limited him to only playing 6 games with the Golden State Warriors. However, the upside of landing him on a cheap deal is too good for the Lakers to pass up during this offseason.
Low-cost Melton maneuver could yield high-end results
With the Lakers having several holes that need to be patched up this summer, there will need to be some calculated decisions. The role which Melton could come in for is lower on the priority list, making the idea of cost-saving an important one here.
The Lakers' budget in free agency will be reserved for addressing the center position. With the money tight past that, taking a swing on a free agent like Melton is crucial.
Gabe Vincent never quite panned out to be the player the Lakers hoped he would be when they signed him in the 2023 free agency period. The Lakers bench guard now faces a future where his expiring contract is expected to be used as a crucial trade piece during this offseason.
Replacing Vincent with Melton in the lineup is not a situation in which the Lakers can really lose. If it hits, the Lakers got an upgrade. If it misses, Los Angeles did not really downgrade, did they?
Melton has averaged 9.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game throughout his NBA career. The rotational guard has also shot 36.9 percent from beyond the arc in his seven seasons as a pro.
On top of the spacing and supportive playmaking offered offensively, Melton is a capable defender, with a long wingspan. That frame should allow JJ Redick some flexibility with being able to deploy his bench guard anywhere from the 1 to even the 3.
Given the lack of cap flexibility for the Lakers, risks will need to be taken. Melton fits the mold here without a doubt.