With the NBA offseason heating up, the Los Angeles Lakers are already exploring potential additions and one name reportedly drawing interest is DeโAnthony Melton.
Though Meltonโs past two seasons have been marred by injuries, including an ACL recovery, the 26-year-old guard is being floated as a low-risk, high-upside target in free agency.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Melton is among the more appealing veteran minimum options for teams seeking defensive versatility and backcourt depth.
Lakers beat reporter Jovan Buha also mentioned Melton on a recent podcast, suggesting the team has genuine interest in bringing him back to his hometown. The L.A. native would be a sentimental signing, but fit will be just as important as familiarity.
With LeBron James and Luka Donฤiฤ anchoring the current Lakers roster, carving out meaningful playing time may be Meltonโs biggest challenge.
Still, thereโs a case for the fit. When healthy, Melton is a proven two-way contributor who made his mark in Memphis and Philadelphia with his perimeter defense, off-ball movement, and ability to knock down open shots. For a Lakers team thatโs urgently trying to strengthen its supporting cast, Melton fits the profile: tough, experienced, and motivated.
Lakers Face Roster Pressure After Early Exit
The 2025 postseason was another disappointment for Los Angeles. After being eliminated in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, pressure is mounting on GM Rob Pelinka to retool the roster into a legitimate contender.
The LeBron-Donฤiฤ pairing is a marquee headline, but the Lakers know better than most that star power alone doesnโt guarantee playoff success. Depth, defense, and injury insurance have become non-negotiables for teams aiming to compete in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
Thatโs why names like Melton matter. He may not command headlines, but his value lies in doing the dirty work, defending guards, hitting timely shots, and stabilizing second units.
Austin Reaves at the Center of Trade Talks
Another major storyline this summer is the future of Austin Reaves. After a breakout 2024โ25 campaign, the undrafted guard has become one of the Lakersโ most valuable assets, and potentially, one of their most attractive trade chips.
In 73 games last season, Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals, shooting 46% from the field and nearly 38% from three. His ability to adapt between primary playmaker and complementary scorer has made him a hot commodity for teams seeking efficient, versatile guards.
But with the Lakers eyeing upgrades and potential cap space maneuvers, Reavesโ rising stock may put him in play, particularly if L.A. needs to attach him to larger deals.
Pelinka’s Balancing Act
For the Lakersโ front office, the next few months will define the direction of the franchise. Balancing the ambition of chasing another title with the reality of an aging superstar and a cap-strapped roster isnโt easy.
Melton may not be a blockbuster signing, but as a potential rotation piece on a prove-it deal, he represents the kind of savvy addition the Lakers desperately need, especially if Pelinka moves forward with high-risk roster changes.
