Leading up to the 2026 NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to a number of players as they look to upgrade their roster to compete for a championship.
Perhaps the player they have been linked to most is De’Andre Hunter of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who could help fill their need for a 3-and-D wing even though he is having a bit of a down year.
According to recent reports, the Lakers and Cavaliers have discussed the general framework of a Hunter trade that would include Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht and a third team.
When names are being mentioned, that usually means the trade is close to completion, but that doesn’t appear to be the case with this one. According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Lakers’ interest in Hunter is believed to be overstated:
League sources say that the Lakers’ interest in Hunter, meanwhile, has been repeatedly overstated this week. The teams have certainly talked during this transaction cycle, but the purple and gold are reticent to jeopardize their upcoming financial flexibility in the offseason by absorbing Hunter’s $24.9 million salary for next season.
As stated, Hunter is under contract at $24.9 million next season and the Lakers are believed to be prioritizing financial flexibility and cap space to try to lure another star to play with Luka Doncic.
With that being the case, the Lakers likely wouldn’t give up anything of significance for Hunter, who is averaging 14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 42.3% from the field and 30.8% from 3-point range in 43 games (23 starts) this season.
Things can always change between now and the deadline, especially if the Cavaliers lower their asking price, but it makes sense for the Lakers to look elsewhere for upgrades as swapping out Hachimura for Hunter isn’t much of an improvement.
Lakers a ‘team of interest’ in potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
One major move Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office could be exploring is a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo as they are reportedly a team of interest in a deal for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar.
The team doesn’t have the assets to make a deal happen now, but if Antetokounmpo stays put until the summer, some more options will open up if L.A. wants to make a run at the two-time MVP.
A potential move like that is likely why the Lakers are hesitant to give up anything of substance for Hunter at the deadline.
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