Insider Reveals Lakers Offer For $95 Million Wing

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported that the Lakers and Cavs have discussed a general framework. The deal would send Hunter to Los Angeles. The package would involve Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht.

“My sources tell me that the Cavs and the Lakers have discussed a general framework surrounding De’Andre Hunter, Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht, and then bringing in a third team,” Fedor said.

Why the Lakers Want Hunter

The Lakers own a borderline bottom-five defense. Their defensive issues stem from struggles containing wings and guards. As a result, a two-way wing has topped their shopping list all season. They have linked to players ranging from Michael Porter Jr. to Herb Jones.

It is no surprise they have settled on Hunter for several reasons. His 6-foot-8 frame and 7-foot-2 wingspan fit their needs on paper. Over the four seasons before this one, he shot 38 percent from three. He did so on good volume, at five attempts per game.

Cleveland’s Motivation To Move Him

This season, Hunter has struggled to replicate the form that once made him a leading Sixth Man of the Year candidate. The emergence of Jaylon Tyson has made him more expendable in Cleveland. The Cavs also face a financial crunch.

That situation could allow the Lakers to acquire a premier 3-and-D wing in a salary dump. Hunter averages 14 points, over four rebounds, and two assists in 26 minutes per game. He’s in the third year of a four-year, $95 million deal he signed back in 2023.