In Driver’s Seat For Free Agent De’Anthony Melton?

There were a couple of names linked to the Los Angeles Lakers when free agency began. Big man DeAndre Ayton has agreed to join the team, as has wing Jake LaRavia. However, one player that was believed to be a target of the Lakers who remains unsigned is guard De’Anthony Melton.

The Lakers’ interest in Melton makes sense as he is a perfect fit next to superstar Luka Doncic. He is an excellent perimeter defender who can guard the other team’s top guard and has proven to be a more than capable shooter as well. But ever since the start of free agency, there has been little progression on what Melton’s move will be.

And while everything has been quiet surrounding Melton, it is still expected that he will ultimately sign with the Lakers, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report:

“They’re not done. We are still waiting to find out what will happen with De’Anthony Melton. He was, of course, a widely anticipated wing signing for them… I haven’t heard anything new, we’re just still expecting he will eventually sign with the Lakers.”

If Melton does join the Lakers it would be a great boost to the backcourt. It would make sense that he is interested in joining the team as Melton is a local product. He was born in North Hollywood and starred at Crespi High School before spending two years at USC.

Melton has shot at least 36% from 3-point range in each of the last five seasons while also averaging 1.4 steals per game in his career. He understands and embraces his role next to stars and has shown that he can deliver on the playoff stage as well. There are some injury concerns, however, as he is coming off a partially torn ACL that limited him to just six games with the Golden State Warriors last season.

The fact that it has been complete silence on Melton for a few days now is a bit odd, but it sounds as if him joining the Lakers remains the most likely outcome and that is a good thing for this team. The team still has access to their bi-annual exception, which could be used to give Melton a starting salary of around $5 million.

Jaxson Hayes returns to Lakers on one-year deal

The Lakers also agreed to bring back center Jaxson Hayes on a one-year deal. The energetic big man was thrust into a starting role following the Luka Doncic trade which saw Anthony Davis traded away, but will likely be back in a reserve role where he really thrives.