The Los Angeles Lakers are holding steady in the Western Conference playoff picture, currently sitting sixth with a 28-18 record. That’s a solid spot, but for a team with championship aspirations-and two stars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis-it’s not a place to get comfortable. This is the time of year when front offices start looking hard at the roster and asking one question: What can we do to get better before the trade deadline?
According to reports, the Lakers may already be working on an answer. Discussions have reportedly taken place between L.A. and the Cleveland Cavaliers around a potential trade that would bring De'Andre Hunter to the Lakers in exchange for Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht, with a third team potentially involved to help balance the deal.
Now, let’s break that down.
Hunter, currently averaging 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 26 minutes per game, brings a more polished offensive game than Hachimura. He’s capable of creating his own shot, spacing the floor, and operating in a variety of offensive sets-something the Lakers could use more of, especially when LeBron isn’t on the floor.
Defensively, he offers a similar profile to Hachimura: a strong, switchable wing who can guard multiple positions. That kind of two-way versatility is valuable, especially in the postseason when matchups tighten and every possession matters.
But there’s a financial wrinkle here. Hunter is on a significantly larger contract-$39 million more than Hachimura, to be exact.
That’s where the new CBA rules come into play. With stricter penalties for teams operating above the second apron, moving money around is trickier than ever.
That’s likely why both sides are exploring the idea of bringing in a third team to help facilitate the trade and make the salaries work.
From a basketball perspective, Hunter could be a seamless fit in L.A. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective, which is critical when you’re sharing the floor with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
He can knock down open looks, defend on the perimeter, and bring a level of toughness that fits the Lakers’ identity. And if the Lakers do manage to pull this off, it’s not hard to imagine Hunter thriving in a system where he’s surrounded by elite playmakers and given a clearly defined role.
As for the outgoing pieces, Knecht is an intriguing rookie with upside, but he’s still finding his footing in the league. Hachimura has had stretches of strong play, especially during last year’s playoffs, but his inconsistency and fit within the Lakers’ current rotation have left the door open for a move.
This type of deal isn’t just about talent-it’s about timing. The Lakers don’t have the luxury of waiting for young players to develop or for chemistry to slowly build.
With LeBron still playing at a high level but nearing the end of his career, the clock is ticking. If they believe Hunter can elevate the rotation and help them make a deeper playoff run, it’s a move worth pursuing.
Of course, talks are still in the framework stage, and nothing is imminent. But the fact that conversations are happening tells you the Lakers are serious about making a push. The Western Conference is deep, and standing pat might not be enough.
Stay tuned-this could be the first domino to fall in what’s shaping up to be an active trade deadline for L.A.