In a stunning turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly on the verge of signing De’Anthony Melton, a 6-foot-3 guard and former teammate of Stephen Curry from their time together at the Golden State Warriors. This move, reported by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, with Warriors fans expressing outrage over losing the versatile guard to a rival team.
A Surprising Replacement for Dorian Finney-Smith
The Lakers’ pursuit of Melton comes on the heels of Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure to the Houston Rockets. Finney-Smith, who joined the Lakers from the Brooklyn Nets in December, opted out of his $15.4 million player option to sign with Houston. While Finney-Smith is a wing and Melton a guard, both players share a reputation as elite perimeter defenders with the ability to knock down three-point shots. This signing is seen as a strategic move to bolster the Lakers’ backcourt depth alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Siegel reported on Thursday, “In addition to pursuing more frontcourt depth behind [Deandre] Ayton, the Lakers are also looking for backcourt support to complement Luka’s playmaking at the guard spot.” Melton, a key name linked to Los Angeles throughout the offseason, has emerged as the frontrunner to fill this role.
Melton’s Journey and Fit with the Lakers
De’Anthony Melton’s seventh NBA season was cut short by an ACL injury in late November while with the Warriors. Despite the setback, the former USC standout showed his value in six games with Golden State, averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 40% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range.
In December, the Warriors traded Melton, Reece Beekman, and three unprotected second-round picks to the Nets in exchange for Dennis Schröder and a 2025 second-round pick. Now, as a free agent, Melton is poised to join the Lakers, bringing his defensive tenacity and playmaking ability to a team looking to compete for a championship.
While acquiring a player like Andrew Wiggins would have been a bigger splash, Melton’s steady two-way play makes him an ideal fit alongside stars like Doncic and James. His ability to disrupt opponents defensively and contribute offensively from the perimeter aligns with the Lakers’ goal of building a versatile, competitive roster.
Warriors Fans React with Fury
The news of Melton’s potential move to Los Angeles has not sat well with Warriors fans. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with reactions, with many fans expressing their frustration. “Losing Melton to the Lakers? Are you kidding me?” one fan posted. Another wrote, “Warriors front office messed this one up. Melton was a perfect fit with Steph!” The sentiment reflects the high regard in which Melton was held during his brief stint in Golden State.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
If the Lakers finalize the deal for Melton, as Siegel suggests is likely, it could mark a significant step in their offseason strategy. While Melton may not carry the star power of other potential targets, his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes him a valuable addition. The Lakers’ front office appears focused on surrounding their star duo with complementary pieces, and Melton’s skill set fits the bill.
As the NBA offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if this surprising signing becomes official—and how Melton will mesh with one of the league’s most high-profile teams. For now, the basketball world is buzzing, and Warriors fans are left fuming over the loss of their former guard.