Throughout the offseason, Lakers fans have been urging the team to target two specific types of players: a versatile two-way wing and a backup center. These were areas of weakness for the Lakers last season, and so far this summer, the team has yet to address them, relying instead on internal development to fill the gaps. However, recent rumors suggest that the Lakers could be leading the chase for an Eastern Conference wing.
Lakers Eyeing Two-Way Forward
According to Bleacher Report’s Tyler Conway, the Lakers are among the top potential suitors for Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter. The 26-year-old is coming off his best statistical season, averaging 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists with shooting splits of .459/.385/.847 over 57 games. Conway noted that while Hunter might not dramatically alter the Lakers’ championship prospects, he would be an ideal fit on the perimeter.
“Although Trae Young has made Hunter’s life easier as a passer, Hunter has never played alongside someone with the gravitational pull of LeBron James. His three-point shooting could potentially soar into the 40 percent range if he joined the Lakers,” Conway added.
Interestingly, Hunter was originally drafted by the Lakers in 2019 before being traded to the Hawks as part of a complicated draft-day deal. Since then, Hunter has become a key starter alongside Trae Young in Atlanta, but with the Hawks seemingly shifting direction, his availability makes sense.
Along with the Lakers, Conway also identified the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs as possible landing spots for Hunter.
Is De’Andre Hunter a Good Fit for the Lakers?
When evaluating the potential acquisition of Hunter, several factors come into play.
**Pros:**
Hunter is a reliable scorer from both inside and outside the arc, with nearly 46% of his shots coming from three-point range, where he converted 38% last season. He excels at catch-and-shoot opportunities, particularly from beyond the arc, which is a skill the Lakers have been lacking next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Additionally, Hunter is effective in the paint, driving to the basket five times per game and converting 50% of those attempts. Defensively, while his stats (0.7 steals and 0.3 blocks per game) aren’t eye-popping, his physical tools—225-pound frame and 7’2” wingspan—allow him to guard various perimeter players effectively. Hunter has emphasized his defensive mindset, saying, “I don’t like when people score on me.”
**Cons:**
The main drawbacks to trading for Hunter are his contract and injury history. He is currently in the middle of a four-year, $90 million deal, with $48 million owed over the next two seasons. While the Lakers can match his $23 million salary for this season, finding the right trade pieces could be challenging. The Lakers would only pursue this trade if it represented a significant upgrade, and it’s unclear if Hunter would be a substantial improvement over current forwards like Rui Hachimura or Jarred Vanderbilt, one of whom might need to be included in any trade.
Additionally, Hunter’s injury history is concerning. He has missed numerous games due to knee issues, and the most games he has played in a single season is 67. For a Lakers team that has struggled with injuries, adding another player with a questionable injury record might not be the best move.
### Final Thoughts
The Lakers will need to carefully weigh these considerations when deciding whether to trade for De’Andre Hunter. While he could bring several positives to the team, his injury history and the potential redundancy with current players make this a decision that requires thorough evaluation.
