{"id":573715,"date":"2026-01-31T21:31:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T21:31:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/573715\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T21:31:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T21:31:13","slug":"lakers-fans-can-breathe-sigh-of-relief-over-deandre-hunter-rumors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/573715\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers Fans Can Breathe Sigh of Relief Over De’Andre Hunter Rumors"},"content":{"rendered":"

After a day of mock trades<\/a> and jersey swaps<\/a>, it seems reports of De\u2019Andre Hunter<\/a> coming to the Lakers were greatly exaggerated.<\/p>\n

Lakers Fans Can Breathe Sigh of Relief Over De\u2019Andre Hunter Rumors
\nMarc Stein Cools Heat on Lakers, Hunter Talk<\/p>\n

In his \u201cSaturday Morning Confidential\u201d on Substack<\/a>, NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed the Lakers\u2019 interest in Hunter was \u201coverstated.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cLeague sources say that the Lakers\u2019 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\u2019s $24.9 million salary for next season.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the team\u2019s perceived interest in Hunter brewed for weeks, a report<\/a> from Cavs insider Chris Fedor fanned the flames toward a potential deal. The \u201cgeneral framework\u201d had the Lakers<\/a> acquiring Hunter for Rui Hachimura<\/a> and Dalton Knecht<\/a>. He added that a third team, namely the Brooklyn Nets, could potentially get involved.<\/p>\n

Lakers fans quickly shut down the idea of trading for Hunter. Many argued that he\u2019s at or below the level of Hachimura<\/a>, who recently adapted to a bench role<\/a> after returning from a calf injury. While Hunter is a decent fit on paper<\/a>, the truth is there are better options out there. Wings who better suit the Lakers\u2019 needs while giving them financial flexibility in the offseason.<\/p>\n

Rui and Knecht for De\u2019Andre Hunter?<\/p>\n

Lakers want a slightly smaller small forward that shoots worse from 3?<\/p>\n

Yeah, that\u2019s a no for me dawg. pic.twitter.com\/cGgEjeOnj8<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Lee Parayno (@leeparayno) January 30, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Could the Lakers Approach the Nets for Another Important Position?<\/p>\n

With Hunter out of the picture, the Lakers still face steep competition<\/a> 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\u2019s second need and chase more help at center.<\/p>\n

ClutchPoints\u2019 Brett Siegel<\/a> recently linked the Lakers to\u00a0Haywood Highsmith<\/a> and Day\u2019Ron Sharpe<\/a> from the Nets. While Highsmith remains out following surgery on a torn meniscus, Sharpe could be a younger and cheaper alternative to Nic Claxton<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. The 6\u201910\u201d forward-center is also shooting 60% from the field, 22% from three (7\/31) and 67% from the free-throw line.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll take either one of them, but-<\/p>\n

If forced to choose between the 2, I\u2019m:<\/p>\n

Team Sharpe > Team Claxton<\/p>\n

Day\u2019ron is just Stronger, More of an Enforcer, More Offensively Versatile, & the Better Rebounder between the 2.<\/p>\n

He gives us a Different Type of Big we don\u2019t currently have. pic.twitter.com\/hXDMaDHgtK<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) November 30, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

If the Lakers ever consider moving on from Deandre Ayton<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

The Last Word<\/p>\n

The Lakers still need help on the wing and in the middle. But barring elite asset management by the front office, they simply can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

\u00a9 David Richard-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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