The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing De’Anthony Melton in free agency to provide crucial depth and defensive versatility alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Though Melton has struggled with injuries, his defensive prowess and ability to knock down open shots make him an appealing low-risk option for the Lakers. With a disappointing postseason exit in 2025, can Melton be the piece that helps the Lakers compete for a title, or will the pressure of a star-laden roster be too much? Discover why the Lakers are targeting him this offseason.

Lakers Eyeing De’Anthony Melton in Free Agency to Bolster LeBron James and Luka Dončić’s Title Chase

As the NBA offseason heats up, the Los Angeles Lakers are already exploring ways to enhance their roster, with one name reportedly drawing significant interest: De’Anthony Melton. The 26-year-old guard, known for his defensive versatility and solid backcourt play, is being considered as a potential low-risk, high-reward signing for the Lakers, who are seeking ways to strengthen their supporting cast around LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

Melton’s Injury History and Potential Fit

Though Melton’s past two seasons have been marred by injuries, including a lengthy recovery from an ACL injury, the former Memphis and Philadelphia guard remains an appealing option. According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Melton is one of the more attractive veteran minimum candidates for teams looking to add depth and defensive presence to their backcourt. Lakers beat reporter Jovan Buha also mentioned Melton on a recent podcast, revealing that the team has genuine interest in bringing him back to his hometown of Los Angeles. The sentimental value of the move is clear, but more importantly, his on-court fit with the Lakers’ needs could make this acquisition a smart one.

When healthy, Melton has proven to be a solid two-way player, known for his perimeter defense, off-ball movement, and ability to knock down open shots. The Lakers, coming off another early exit from the 2025 playoffs, are keenly aware that their star duo of LeBron and Dončić will need more than just offensive firepower. They’ll need depth, defense, and reliable contributors in supporting roles. Melton fits the bill: tough, experienced, and motivated to prove himself.

Lakers’ Struggles and Urgency to Rebuild

The Lakers’ disappointing first-round exit in the 2025 postseason—where they were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games—has only intensified the pressure on General Manager Rob Pelinka. The LeBron-Dončić pairing remains the team’s centerpiece, but the Lakers know that a championship-caliber team needs more than just star power. Depth, defense, and injury protection have become non-negotiable if they hope to compete in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, especially with LeBron James entering his 22nd season.

While LeBron’s individual accolades—still earning All-NBA honors in his 40s—continue to impress, the Lakers need a roster that complements his greatness. Melton’s ability to guard multiple positions, contribute defensively, and add an offensive spark off the bench could provide the kind of balance the Lakers need to take the next step.

Austin Reaves: The Trade Rumor That Won’t Go Away

Another critical storyline this offseason is the future of Austin Reaves, who has become one of the Lakers’ most valuable assets after his breakout 2024–25 campaign. Reaves, an undrafted guard, posted impressive stats of 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game last season, shooting 46% from the field and nearly 38% from beyond the arc. His ability to seamlessly transition between playmaking and scoring makes him a versatile and highly sought-after commodity for teams looking to upgrade their rosters.

However, Reaves’ rising stock may put him in play for a potential trade. As Pelinka looks to balance cap space and future flexibility, Reaves could be used as a trade chip in larger deals aimed at upgrading the Lakers’ roster. Reaves’ agent recently warned that teams underestimating the guard’s potential could be in for a surprise, suggesting that “next year is going to be a show.” The Lakers will need to decide whether to keep Reaves as a key part of their future or use him in a trade for a more significant acquisition.

Pelinka’s Balancing Act: Building Around LeBron and Luka

For Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office, the next few months will be crucial in shaping the franchise’s future. Balancing the ambition of chasing another title with the realities of an aging superstar and a cap-strapped roster is no easy task. The Lakers are at a crossroads: do they continue to push all-in with LeBron and Dončić, or do they take a step back to reassess their roster’s future?

De’Anthony Melton may not be a marquee signing, but his potential addition as a rotation player could represent the kind of savvy move that Pelinka needs to make. The Lakers are already exploring ways to make bold moves, and Melton fits the profile of a low-risk, high-reward addition. With the team in desperate need of defensive reinforcements, especially to complement their star duo, Melton’s defensive prowess and depth could be a game-changer for the Lakers in the long run.

Conclusion: The Lakers’ Push for Depth and Versatility

As the offseason continues, the Lakers are actively exploring ways to improve their roster and take a more holistic approach to their championship aspirations. Adding players like De’Anthony Melton could be key to improving the team’s depth and defensive capabilities, providing the Lakers with the necessary tools to compete at the highest level.

While the Lakers remain anchored by LeBron and Dončić, it’s clear that the team’s success will depend on building a well-rounded squad. With Melton’s defensive versatility, the Lakers can improve their chances of success, ensuring that they remain competitive in an increasingly tough Western Conference. For now, the team’s efforts to balance star power with solid supporting pieces will be crucial to their long-term success.