Lakers Set To Miss Out On 3-And-D Guard In Race With Western Rivals

The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to free agent guard De'Anthony Melton in recent weeks, but it appears they are set to miss out on him. Lakers insider Jovan Buha reports there is more buzz now about Melton going to the Golden State Warriors instead of coming to Los Angeles.

"The chatter with Melton and the Lakers has cooled over the last few days," Buha said. "There has actually been more buzz with him and the Warriors. He's been linked to them a little bit more."

The Warriors had signed Melton to a one-year, $12.8 million deal on the mid-level exception in free agency in 2024. He got off to a promising start, averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game, but tore his ACL after featuring just six times for them.

The Warriors traded Melton to the Brooklyn Nets in December 2024, and it looks like a reunion is now on the cards. He would be a fine addition, as he showed last year, and missing out on him would be a blow to the Lakers. Buha isn't the only one reporting that a deal is unlikely, as Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus has mentioned the same.

"Some of the buzz linking him to the Los Angeles Lakers has died down in recent weeks."

A 3-and-D guard like Melton, who has shot 38.3% from beyond the arc over the last five seasons, is exactly what the Lakers need. They lack quality perimeter defenders, and he'd be just what the doctor ordered.

The Lakers' need for defenders has only heightened following Dorian Finney-Smith's departure in free agency. Melton would have helped ease that blow, but they have to look elsewhere now. 

Lakers' President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka had stated that getting a center and a defensive wing were their top priorities this offseason. Pelinka has managed to bring in Deandre Ayton to be the starting center next season, but hasn't brought in that wing defender just yet.

The Lakers have signed Jake LaRavia, and while he can hold his own, he isn't exactly a defensive stopper. They did draft Adou Thiero with the 36th pick, and while he could potentially be a fine wing defender one day, it's unlikely he'll be making a huge impact as a rookie.

So, it will be interesting to see who Pelinka brings in. The Lakers do have the assets to trade for a quality wing defender in the form of Dalton Knecht and their draft picks.

Getting back to the Warriors, Melton would be their first signing in free agency if they do indeed strike a deal. They are the only team that hasn't signed or traded for a player yet this offseason. Their only additions so far have been Alex Toohey and Will Richard via the draft.

To go with Melton, the Warriors have also been heavily linked to Al Horford. Horford is still assessing his options, though, with the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets being the other leading contenders to acquire him, according to The Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach. Retirement is an option as well, and those teams would be hoping he doesn't go down that route.