Lakers Miss Out on Hunter, Ellis in Three-Team Deal - But That Might Be a Good Thing
The Los Angeles Lakers watched two potential trade targets slip through their fingers Saturday night when De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis were moved in a three-team deal that didn’t include them. Both players had been linked to LA for weeks, and with the team clearly in the market for wing depth and perimeter defense, the fit made sense on paper. But as the dust settles, this may be one of those rare trade deadlines where the move not made could end up being the right one.
Let’s break down what happened.
In a deal involving the Cavaliers, Kings, and Bulls, Cleveland walked away with Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, Sacramento landed De’Andre Hunter, and Chicago picked up Dario Saric along with a pair of second-round picks. For the Lakers, who had been circling both Hunter and Ellis, it’s a missed opportunity - but maybe not a costly one.
The Kings’ Gamble - and Why the Lakers Shouldn’t Regret Missing Out
Sacramento’s decision to trade Ellis for Hunter raised some eyebrows around the league. The Kings had reportedly been asking the Lakers for a first-round pick in exchange for Ellis - a steep price for a promising but still-developing guard. Instead, they flipped him for Hunter, a player who’s struggled to live up to his contract and reputation as a two-way wing.
Hunter, despite his size and offensive flashes, hasn’t consistently delivered on the defensive end. The Cavaliers, who’ve had a front-row seat to his performances, were statistically better when he wasn’t on the floor - outscoring opponents by 8.1 points per 100 possessions in his absence. That’s not the kind of impact you want from a player owed significant money over the next few years.
So while the Lakers may have been frustrated to see Ellis - a young, athletic defender who could’ve slotted in nicely next to LeBron James and Austin Reaves - land in Cleveland, they also avoided taking on Hunter’s contract. And that’s no small thing for a team with limited trade capital and a tight financial picture.
Cleveland Clears the Deck, LA Left Watching
The Cavaliers, for their part, got what they wanted. Moving off Hunter’s deal opens up flexibility, and in return, they added two guards who can help right away.
Schroder, a former Laker, brings veteran savvy and playoff experience. Ellis adds youth and defensive intensity.
It’s a clean win for Cleveland.
For the Lakers, though, this one stings. They couldn’t match the package the Cavs offered - Ellis and Schroder together were simply more appealing than anything LA had on the table. And with the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, the pressure is now squarely on Rob Pelinka to make something happen.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
Let’s be clear: the Lakers need help on the wing. This team isn’t going anywhere in the playoffs without a reliable 3-and-D presence to throw at elite scorers like Luka Doncic - who, by the way, is playing MVP-level basketball right now. LeBron is still elite, Reaves is blossoming, and Anthony Davis remains a force, but they need reinforcements to keep pace in the West.
Ellis would’ve checked a lot of boxes. But he’s now headed to Cleveland, not Los Angeles. And with only one first-round pick and a handful of expiring contracts to work with, Pelinka’s margin for error is razor-thin.
Still, this front office has shown it can get creative when it needs to. Last season’s trade deadline brought in key pieces that helped spark a deep postseason run. That kind of turnaround isn’t out of the question again - but it’s going to take some bold moves in the next few days.
Bottom Line
The Lakers missed out on two players they were eyeing. But in the case of Hunter, that might be a blessing in disguise.
The focus now shifts to what can be done before the deadline. Because if LA wants to make noise this postseason, standing still isn’t an option.
The clock is ticking. Let’s see what Pelinka has up his sleeve.