The Los Angeles Lakers may have lost a key contributor in Dorian Finney-Smith, but they appear ready to pivot quickly—and smartly. According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Lakers are expected to land a notable backcourt addition: “De’Anthony Melton has been a key name linked to Los Angeles throughout the offseason, and there is a growing expectation that the Lakers will land him in free agency,” Siegel reported.
While Finney-Smith’s departure to the Houston Rockets leaves a void in perimeter defense and toughness, the Lakers are shifting their focus to an area that arguably needs even more reinforcement: the backcourt next to Luka Dončić. The team has already addressed its interior by acquiring Deandre Ayton and bringing back Jaxson Hayes. Now, it seems guard depth is next on the checklist.
Melton is no stranger to Lakers speculation. As The Athletic’s Dan Woike and NBA insider Jake Fischer have each noted, Los Angeles has maintained a consistent interest in the 27-year-old combo guard. “We’re just still expecting he will eventually sign with the Lakers,” Fischer recently said.
De’Anthony Melton’s Fit With the Los Angeles Lakers
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Despite concerns over Melton’s recent injury history—including a back injury in 2023-24 and a torn ACL that limited him to just six games this past season—his value when healthy is clear. In his last full campaign with the 76ers in 2022-23, Melton averaged 10.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and shot 39% from three. That kind of two-way production is exactly what the Lakers need.
He may not be flashy, but Melton’s teams have consistently performed better with him on the floor. According to Basketball-Reference, Melton’s squads are nearly three points better per 100 possessions when he plays. His disruptive defense, steady shooting (36% or better from three in five straight seasons), and positional versatility make him an ideal rotational piece for a team with championship aspirations.
With Finney-Smith gone, Los Angeles needs more than just bodies—they need players who can thrive in the margins, win possessions, and complement stars like LeBron and Luka. Melton, if healthy, fits that mold perfectly.
A minimum deal seems plausible given his injury, which only increases the potential value. And while there’s speculation that the Lakers may be eyeing a larger move (possibly involving Andrew Wiggins), a Melton signing would still be a savvy and stabilizing addition.
The Lakers may not be done yet, but if Melton is indeed on the way, it’s another sign of a quietly sharp offseason in Los Angeles.