Despite recent reports that suggested the Los Angeles Lakers weren’t expected to make any notable moves before the NBA trade deadline, a new rumor claims they are closing in on adding a player that could make a sizable impact in the second half.
The LA Lakers have been good this season, but their 28-18 record heading into the weekend is below the expectations the front office and fanbase had for them. After a full offseason to further integrate Luka Doncic into their system, emerging as a real threat to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder was the plan. But that hasn’t happened yet.
On the surface, Doncic has MVP-level numbers, Austin Reaves has taken another big leap into being an All-Star-level player in 2026, and NBA legend LeBron James is still playing at a very high level at 41. However, those stats look great on the offensive side of the ball. The other side has become a big problem.
Both Doncic and James have gone viral on social media this season for some lackluster play on defense. But the LA Lakers as a whole are below average on that side of the ball. It is something the organization should try to fix before next week’s trade deadline.
However, recent reports suggested that only smaller fringe moves were possible because the front office does not want to give up key draft assets in a meaningful deal.
LA Lakers on the verge of a trade for De’Andre Hunter
However, they may soon add a player they really could use and not have to give up one of their future first-rounders. According to Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor, the Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Lakers are closing in on the framework of a deal that would ship out Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht for forward De’Andre Hunter.
The NBA insider did add that a third team would need to be brought in to complete the deal. Hunter has one season and $24.9 million left on his contract.
Hunter is a very good perimeter defender who has size, so he can guard multiple positions. It’s a skill set that head coach JJ Redick really could use. Furthermore, he is a more dangerous scorer than Hachimura. Last season, he averaged 17.0 points a game and shot 40% from three while splitting the season between the Atlanta Hawks and Cavs.
