The priority seems pretty clear for the Lakers today, who are desperate to recruit a center. It’s no secret that Rob Pelinka officially confirmed this to the media in his latest interview. The Angelinos want a new player for this post 5, and one who is obviously compatible with Luka Doncic.
Collecting the Slovenian’s passes will be essential, while also being able to protect his circle as well as possible. In other words, Pelinka will have his work cut out to find the right player, but that doesn’t mean he’s the only possible recruit. A winger with a defensive profile is also being pursued by the front office, although no leads have yet been confirmed.
But for other insiders, like Jovan Buha, it’s also on the outside line that we should be keeping an eye on possible recruits. The Lakers are gearing up for a few changes, and one name is starting to come back to land in the City of Angels: De’Anthony Melton, formerly with the Warriors, before a serious knee injury.
Eventually cut by the Dubs, in order to free up a spot, Melton is now looking to re-establish himself in the league, all at just 26 years of age. He has averaged over 10 points in recent seasons, whether with the Warriors, Sixers or Grizzlies. An interesting addition.
The risk in the case is “just” whether Melton can get back to a real level of play after a serious knee injury. But it’s not out of the question for a player who’s just 26 years old and desperate to get back into the league. Coming off the bench, potentially in place of Gabe Vincent, who has been mooted in trade scenarios, wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world. But we’ll know more in July.
