The Los Angeles Lakers continue to stay active this offseason as they look to build a stronger roster around Luka Doncic for the next NBA season. After landing Deandre Ayton to bolster their frontcourt, the Lakers are now shifting focus to the backcourt, reportedly exploring a fomer Stephen Curry teammate from the Golden State Warriors, as an option to complement Doncic’s defensive workload.
According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Lakers are reportedly targeting former Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton to support Luka Doncic with ball-handling duties and provide a defensive boost in the backcourt.
“Outside of pursuing extra frontcourt depth behind Ayton, the Lakers are also pursuing guard help to complement Luka’s play in the backcourt. De’Anthony Melton has been a key name linked to Los Angeles throughout the offseason, and there is a growing expectation that the Lakers will land him in free agency, sources said,” Siegel reported.
Melton joined the Warriors after spending two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, but he managed just six appearances in Golden State before undergoing season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn ACL.
De’Anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors in action against the Sacramento Kings during their preseason game. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
In those six games, Melton averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He shot 40.7% from the field, including 37.1% from three-point range, and 62.5% from the free-throw line.
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He was later traded by the Warriors to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the deal that brought Dennis Schroder to the Bay Area. However, still recovering from surgery, Melton did not log any minutes with Brooklyn.
If fully healthy, Melton could prove to be a valuable addition for the Lakers—especially on the defensive end. While the franchise already boasts plenty of offensive firepower, its backcourt defense remains a point of concern. Melton’s skill set and two-way play could provide the balance the Lakers need as they aim to contend in the upcoming season.
