Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G De’Anthony Melton, MEM 2022 2nd Round Pick, MEM 2023 2nd Round Pick

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G Alex Caruso

This trade may seem dumb at first for the Los Angeles Lakers to do, but they could be even more successful than they already are without KCP. Besides Dennis Schroder in the backcourt, the Lakers do not have any other talented players, nor do they have much youth in general on this roster. 

De’Anthony Melton is only 22-years old and has a lot of potential moving forward given his length and athletic abilities as a combo-guard. His 6’8” wingspan for only being a 6’2” guard gives him a lot of potential to grow into a solid two-way player and in the G League over the years, Melton has been fantastic. 

In the last two years in the G League, De’Anthony Melton averaged 18.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and shot 42.6% from the floor and 31.5% from three-point range. His ability to be an all-around facilitator is what gives him his value and on the Lakers, where they play positionless basketball, he could fit in perfectly. 

For the Grizzlies, getting two guys like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Alex Caruso could not only provide them with depth but two proven winners. Both guys were big pieces to the Lakers’ championship run last season and bring the playoff experience with them to one of the younger teams in the NBA in the Grizzlies. 

Memphis needs to surround Morant, when he is healthy, with proven scorers and role players, which is exactly what these two guys are. They could ultimately end up being the difference in Memphis making the NBA playoffs this season. 

Let’s take a closer look as to why this trade benefits both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies.