Lakers: 5 Under the Radar Free Agents LA Should Consider

R.J. Hunter

When the Lakers were on the clock with No. 27 in 2015, there were still a few “big name” players available like Motnrezl Harrell, Kevon Looney and R.J. Hunter. However, in a bold move by the front office, the Lakers opted not to take a household name and instead drafted Larry Nance Jr. out of the University of Wyoming. Initially, this didn’t sit well with the fans.

At the time, fans didn’t know who or what a Larry Nance Jr. was, but they did have a general feeling that the Lakers should have drafted R.J. Hunter and at the time, they had the right to feel that.

During his time at Georgia State Univerity playing under his father, Ron Hunter, R.J. developed a reputation as a lights-out shooter. His most notable shot, of course, was in 2015 when he stunned Baylor in the NCAA tournament with a game-winning buzzer beater, sending his dad into a frenzy on the sideline.

Since then, Hunter’s star hasn’t shined as bright. After being taken with the No. 28 pick in the 2015 draft, R.J. hasn’t enjoyed the same success Nance has. Even Looney and Harrell have been playing meaningful minutes on their respective teams. Hunter, on the other hands, has already played for two teams, including the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls. Currently, Hunter plays for the Brooklyn Nets‘ D-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.

The hope is that Hunter found his stroke in the D-League and can be the spot-up shooter on the wing that the Lakers need. If Jordan Clarkson can rediscover his patented drive and kick from his rookie season, Hunter would get a ton of open looks.

The Lakers are at a point in their season where they can take risks on guys like Hunter. Worst case, Hunter is just as bad with Los Angeles and he’s gone after his first 10-day contract. Best case, he’s the 3-point specialist he was projected to be.