Lakers eye De’Anthony Melton in free agency as Rob Pelinka weighs next move in pivotal offseason

The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2025 NBA offseason at a critical crossroads. With LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career and a young core that requires significant reinforcement, the front office led by General Manager Rob Pelinka faces tough decisions. Among the early focal points is the pursuit of veteran guard De’Anthony Melton, a free agent whose defensive prowess and playmaking versatility could be exactly what the Lakers need to stabilize their backcourt and complement their evolving roster.

This offseason carries enormous weight for the Lakers franchise, a team with championship expectations but facing significant roster uncertainty. Pelinka’s moves in free agency and potential trades will define the Lakers’ competitive window for years to come. In this piece, we explore the Lakers’ interest in Melton, the strategic considerations at play, and how this fits into the broader landscape of the NBA and Los Angeles’ roster construction.

The Lakers’ Current Backcourt Dilemma

The 2024-25 NBA season highlighted glaring weaknesses in the Lakers’ guard rotation. While the team boasts superstars like Anthony Davis and a still-impactful LeBron James, the backcourt has struggled with consistency on both ends of the floor. Defensive lapses, ball-handling turnovers, and a lack of reliable secondary playmakers contributed to the Lakers falling short of championship contention.

Austin Reaves showed flashes of promise but remains a developing player. Dennis Schröder, on a short-term deal, offered some scoring punch but lacked the defensive intensity and steady floor leadership needed for deep playoff success. The Lakers need a guard who can lock down opposing perimeter players, create opportunities, and bring toughness—a glue guy who can both initiate offense and anchor defense.

De’Anthony Melton fits that profile well. Known for his defensive versatility, Melton has built a reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders. At 6-foot-4, he can guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses with his quick hands and anticipation. Offensively, Melton provides a solid floor game with efficient shooting and the ability to run pick-and-roll plays. He’s a reliable secondary ball-handler and passer, capable of relieving pressure from primary stars.

Who Is De’Anthony Melton?

Melton, 27 years old, entered the NBA in 2018 after being drafted in the second round by the Phoenix Suns. Since then, he’s steadily improved his game with stops in Memphis and Philadelphia. His value has consistently risen because of his defensive acumen, energy, and steady offensive contributions.

During the 2024-25 season, Melton averaged approximately 13 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game, all while being tasked with guarding some of the league’s toughest perimeter players. His three-point shooting hovered around 35%, respectable enough to space the floor without being a liability.

For the Lakers, Melton represents an ideal blend of youth, experience, and versatility. He can be plugged into multiple roles—starting shooting guard, backup point guard, or even a “3-and-D” wing depending on matchups. This flexibility is particularly valuable in the modern NBA, where switch-heavy defenses and positionless basketball dominate.

Why Melton Fits the Lakers’ Needs

The Lakers’ offseason strategy under Rob Pelinka has been defined by a search for defensive-minded role players who can bolster their core stars. The success of the 2020 title run was largely due to a strong supporting cast featuring lockdown defenders and efficient shooters like Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. In contrast, recent seasons revealed the shortcomings of a roster lacking those defensive stoppers.

Melton’s defensive intensity and ability to guard elite wings would be a significant upgrade. He brings length, lateral quickness, and high basketball IQ—traits that fit perfectly next to the Lakers’ interior defenders like Anthony Davis and newly acquired frontcourt players.

Offensively, Melton’s steady playmaking allows LeBron James or whoever takes over as the primary ball-handler to operate with more freedom. His pick-and-roll skills and ability to shoot from beyond the arc help space the floor. This balance of offense and defense embodies the modern NBA wing prototype that many contenders covet.

The Financial Picture: What Could the Lakers Offer?

The financial landscape of the NBA is a puzzle that Pelinka must solve carefully. Melton is expected to command a competitive contract in free agency, with multiple teams likely pursuing his services. Given the Lakers’ luxury tax concerns and the need to maintain flexibility around LeBron and Davis’s massive contracts, crafting an offer that appeals to Melton without jeopardizing future moves is a delicate balancing act.

The Lakers have some cap space available through careful maneuvering and are expected to utilize the mid-level exception if necessary. Reports suggest they could offer a 3-4 year deal worth between $40-60 million, a lucrative contract that also aligns with Melton’s market value.

Beyond the dollar amount, the Lakers can sell Melton on the opportunity to join a storied franchise with championship aspirations, playing alongside two future Hall of Famers and under a coaching staff focused on defense and player development.

Pelinka’s Broader Offseason Moves: Context for Melton’s Pursuit

The Lakers’ interest in Melton cannot be viewed in isolation. Rob Pelinka is facing a pivotal offseason where he must address several key roster questions:

• What to do with the aging LeBron James? With LeBron nearing retirement, the Lakers need to start building a post-LeBron core without compromising current competitiveness.
• Supporting Anthony Davis: Davis remains the team’s defensive anchor but has battled injuries. Adding complementary pieces around him is vital.
• Guard depth: The Lakers must decide whether to extend or replace players like Austin Reaves and Dennis Schröder.
• Draft picks and young players: Pelinka must balance adding veterans with developing promising young talent.

Melton’s potential addition fits neatly into this puzzle. His contract would not block the Lakers’ ability to pursue other role players or potential midseason trades. And his skill set addresses an immediate need.

Competition for Melton’s Services

The Lakers are not alone in chasing Melton. Teams like the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Golden State Warriors—who value defense and veteran savvy—are expected to make competitive offers. For Melton, the decision may come down to team culture, championship windows, and his role in the rotation.

Los Angeles’ allure as a top media market with championship potential could tip the scales. Additionally, playing alongside Davis and potentially the Lakers’ young guards could provide Melton with a platform to showcase his talents on the biggest stage.

What Melton’s Signing Could Mean for the Lakers’ Style of Play

If the Lakers secure Melton, expect an immediate shift toward more aggressive perimeter defense. Melton’s ability to guard multiple positions would allow coach Darvin Ham to implement more switching schemes and disruptive defensive looks.

Offensively, Melton’s presence would provide balance. He’s not a ball-dominant player, which allows stars like LeBron or the team’s young guards to control tempo. His pick-and-roll efficiency could open driving lanes and create open shots for others.

Potential Risks and Downsides

No signing comes without risk. Melton has been criticized for occasional lapses in decision-making on offense and inconsistent shooting. While his defense is elite, he isn’t a prolific scorer who can carry an offense.

There is also the financial commitment—if Melton’s performance dips or injuries occur, the Lakers could be locked into a contract that limits flexibility.

Finally, chemistry is an intangible but crucial factor. Integrating a new guard into a roster with established stars requires adjustment. Pelinka and the coaching staff must ensure Melton’s skill set meshes well with the team’s style and personalities.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Offseason Move on the Horizon

The Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of De’Anthony Melton symbolizes the franchise’s commitment to a balanced roster that emphasizes defense, versatility, and efficient offense. As Rob Pelinka navigates one of the most consequential offseasons in recent memory, acquiring a player like Melton could be a cornerstone piece in the Lakers’ quest to remain contenders.

With LeBron James’ career nearing its final chapters and Anthony Davis anchoring the defense, the Lakers need reliable, multi-dimensional players who can help sustain a winning culture. Melton fits that mold—an elite perimeter defender, solid playmaker, and hard-nosed competitor.

While competition for Melton will be fierce, the Lakers’ combination of championship aspirations, market appeal, and strategic fit position them well to land the talented guard.

As free agency unfolds, all eyes will be on Rob Pelinka’s moves, and Melton’s signing could be the defining moment that sets the tone for Los Angeles’ future.