Another week closer to the trade deadline, another rumor involving the Los Angeles Lakers.
As the purple and gold continue their quest for a “two-way wing with size,” two more names have popped up for consideration. Both are from mediocre Eastern Conference teams, and both just so happen to be represented by—who else—Klutch Sports.
Report: Lakers Urged to Pursue ‘Klutch-for-Klutch’ Swap
Matt Moore: Klutch Wants Hunter or Bridges in LA
According to NBA writer Matt Moore, the superstar agency representing five current Lakers—LeBron and Bronny James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Adou Thiero and Nick Smith Jr.—hopes to bring some high-flying talent to the City of Angels.
“I never know what to make of it when I hear that a Klutch guy wants out because they always seem to want out… until Klutch no longer represents them. But league sources have said the super agency has expressed interest in a Klutch-for-Klutch swap of Deandre Hunter for Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent to the Lakers or to Charlotte for Miles Bridges,” Moore wrote in his “Hardwood Paroxyism” Substack Tuesday.
The report comes two weeks after Rich Paul claimed Klutch “never ran the Lakers,” unable to escape the “Klutch Lakers” moniker that has followed the team since James’ arrival. It also comes right after Paul suggested a bold (and ridiculous) trade proposal: sending Austin Reaves to the Grizzlies for Jaren Jackson Jr.
De’Andre Hunter
The Lakers were already tied to Hunter last month, with the 28-year-old wing considered a “viable backup plan” instead of Herb Jones. With the 9-32 New Orleans Pelicans hanging onto Jones for dear life, it makes sense why the Lakers could pivot to Hunter—who they technically drafted in 2019.
In 36 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hunter has averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 42.5% from the field, 30.3% from three and 87.5% from the free-throw line. After a rollercoaster run as a starter between November and December, the Cavs benched Hunter again on Dec. 17. Since then, he has put up 11.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game on .415/.300/.946 splits.
For a former top-five pick who has resorted to a reserve role on a middling East team, it’ss easy to see why Hunter’s reps want a change of scenery. However, the Lakers wouldn’t be the answer, considering they’d downgrade from Hachimura in acquiring a poor perimeter shooter and, in the eyes of some, a horrendous defender.
Miles Bridges
No matter how many “HUM DIDDLY DEE!” calls Eric Collins makes, Bridges isn’t the solution to the Lakers’ problems, either.
A 26-year-old wing in his seventh year for the Hornets, Bridges has been a bright spot amid Charlotte’s struggles. In 39 games this season, he’s averaged 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists on .443/.333/.846 splits. Just like Hunter, Bridges is an astounding athlete. Yet, concerns over his inconsistent shooting and lack of defense persist. Laker fans have also pointed out that Bridges would “ruin” the locker room, with some mentioning his off-court issues as a key reason to stay away.
So while Bridges may boost the Lakers’ offense and athleticism, there are factors that are simply too hard to ignore when adjusting a roster committed to championship excellence.
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