As the February 5 trade deadline looms large, the Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for what could be a game-changing move. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, GM Rob Pelinka is on the hunt for roster upgrades to bolster the team’s championship aspirations. According to recent reports, the Lakers have set their sights on Cleveland Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter—a $90 million star who’s currently posting solid numbers of 13.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Could this be the blockbuster deal that propels L.A. back into title contention?
The Lakers enter the deadline with limited assets, but Pelinka isn’t one to sit idle. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin revealed that the team has been actively shopping their lone tradable first-round pick (either 2031 or 2032) in hopes of acquiring multiple future selections in return. This creative maneuvering would dramatically expand L.A.’s trade toolkit, allowing them to pair expiring contracts like Rui Hachimura ($18.2M), Gabe Vincent ($11.5M), and Maxi Kleber ($11M) with more draft capital to land higher-impact players.
“Being armed with more tradable picks would give L.A. more options this trade season,” McMenamin noted, emphasizing how this could open doors not just at the deadline but in future offseasons as well.
With the team focused on adding a two-way wing and rim-protecting center, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, Hunter emerges as a prime target. His defensive prowess and scoring ability could provide the perfect complement to the Lakers’ star duo, addressing gaps in perimeter defense and floor spacing.
Hunter, now 28, is no stranger to the Lakers organization. Drafted fourth overall by L.A. in 2019, his rights were immediately flipped to the Atlanta Hawks as part of the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade that kickstarted the team’s 2020 championship run. A reunion could be poetic justice, bringing Hunter back to where his NBA journey began.
This season, through 41 games with the Cavaliers, Hunter is averaging 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 42% field goal shooting, 30.6% from three, and an impressive 87.9% from the free-throw line. While his numbers have dipped slightly since joining Cleveland at last year’s deadline—adjusting to a reduced role amid a stacked roster—his previous production speaks volumes. In the 2024-25 season split between Atlanta and Cleveland, he put up 17 points per game while draining 40.5% of his 6.1 three-point attempts.
Hunter’s contract—a four-year, $90 million deal signed with the Hawks—has him earning $23.3 million this year and $24.9 million in 2026-27. It’s a hefty price tag, but one that aligns with the Lakers’ salary-matching options via their expiring deals. NBA reporter Evan Sidery reported that the Cavaliers are open to moving Hunter, largely due to the emergence of rookie Jaylon Tyson, which would free up apron flexibility for Cleveland moving forward.
“The Lakers are among the teams to recently check in with Cleveland on Hunter,” Sidery stated, fueling speculation of an imminent deal.
Cleveland isn’t desperate to unload Hunter, however. As Chris Fedor of cleveland.com reported, the Cavs have fielded offers but remain committed to their core, resisting a “drastic shake-up” despite Hunter’s statistical struggles this season. The team views him as a valuable rotation piece, and any trade would likely require meaningful draft compensation—something the Lakers are working to bolster through their pick-flipping strategy.
If a deal materializes, it could involve Hachimura, Vincent, and Kleber heading to Cleveland, potentially sweetened with one or more future picks. Hunter’s two-way skill set—strong on-ball defense against wings and reliable spot-up shooting—would fit seamlessly alongside James and Davis, adding versatility to a lineup that’s already shown flashes of dominance.
Hunter isn’t the only name on L.A.’s radar. Reports have linked the Lakers to a slew of wings, including Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Keon Ellis, Jonathan Kuminga, Miles Bridges, and Andrew Wiggins. But Hunter’s familiarity with the organization and his proven track record make him a particularly intriguing fit.
As Pelinka navigates these waters, the key will be balancing short-term gains with long-term flexibility. The Lakers can’t afford to mortgage their future entirely, but with James turning 41 and Davis in his prime, the window for another ring is narrowing. A blockbuster for Hunter could be the strike that reignites the purple and gold’s fire.
Stay tuned—trade deadline fireworks are just around the corner. If Pelinka pulls this off, it could redefine the Western Conference landscape. What do you think, Lakers fans? Is Hunter the missing piece?