After a day of mock trades and jersey swaps, it seems reports of De’Andre Hunter coming to the Lakers were greatly exaggerated.
Lakers Fans Can Breathe Sigh of Relief Over De’Andre Hunter Rumors
Marc Stein Cools Heat on Lakers, Hunter Talk
In his “Saturday Morning Confidential” on Substack, NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed the Lakers’ interest in Hunter was “overstated.”
“League sources say that the Lakers’ interest in Hunter, meanwhile, has been repeatedly overstated this week. The teams have certainly talked during this transaction cycle, but the purple and gold are reticent to jeopardize their upcoming financial flexibility in the offseason by absorbing Hunter’s $24.9 million salary for next season.”
While the team’s perceived interest in Hunter brewed for weeks, a report from Cavs insider Chris Fedor fanned the flames toward a potential deal. The “general framework” had the Lakers acquiring Hunter for Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht. He added that a third team, namely the Brooklyn Nets, could potentially get involved.
Lakers fans quickly shut down the idea of trading for Hunter. Many argued that he’s at or below the level of Hachimura, who recently adapted to a bench role after returning from a calf injury. While Hunter is a decent fit on paper, the truth is there are better options out there. Wings who better suit the Lakers’ needs while giving them financial flexibility in the offseason.
Rui and Knecht for De’Andre Hunter?
Lakers want a slightly smaller small forward that shoots worse from 3?
Yeah, that’s a no for me dawg. pic.twitter.com/cGgEjeOnj8
— Lee Parayno (@leeparayno) January 30, 2026
Could the Lakers Approach the Nets for Another Important Position?
With Hunter out of the picture, the Lakers still face steep competition for other 3-and-D targets, and time is running out to make a tangible difference. If the front office is unable to land legitimate help on the wing, perhaps it could pivot to LA’s second need and chase more help at center.
ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel recently linked the Lakers to Haywood Highsmith and Day’Ron Sharpe from the Nets. While Highsmith remains out following surgery on a torn meniscus, Sharpe could be a younger and cheaper alternative to Nic Claxton.
At 24 years old on a $6.2 million salary this season, Sharpe is averaging 8.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game, proving himself as a versatile big with advanced stats that put him in elite company. The 6’10” forward-center is also shooting 60% from the field, 22% from three (7/31) and 67% from the free-throw line.
I’ll take either one of them, but-
If forced to choose between the 2, I’m:
Team Sharpe > Team Claxton
Day’ron is just Stronger, More of an Enforcer, More Offensively Versatile, & the Better Rebounder between the 2.
He gives us a Different Type of Big we don’t currently have. pic.twitter.com/hXDMaDHgtK
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) November 30, 2025
If the Lakers ever consider moving on from Deandre Ayton, whose high-level performances have come at a dime-a-dozen this season, then Sharpe is a rock-solid alternative at a slight fraction of the cost.
The Last Word
The Lakers still need help on the wing and in the middle. But barring elite asset management by the front office, they simply can’t have both. As time ticks down to the Feb. 5 trade deadline, the Lakers must play their cards right and address their weaknesses one way or another.
© David Richard-Imagn Images
