The Los Angeles Lakers lost out on De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis on Saturday night when they were traded for each other as part of a three-team deal. LA was linked heavily to both players. They need size and defense on the wing. Fans knew the Kings would trade Ellis, but not many expected it to be for Hunter.
The trade also involved former Laker Dennis Schroder. The Cavaliers acquired Schorder and Ellis, Sacramento landed Hunter, and the Bulls walked away with Dario Saric and two second-round draft picks.
This is a head-scratching move from the Kings as they absolutely saved the Lakers. Hunter is a subpar defender who is paid too much. The Cavaliers wanted to dump him for a reason. Cleveland was excited to get two talented guards to improve their depth. The Lakers are upset they missed out, but it could be a blessing in disguise.
Lakers caught napping as De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis find new homes
The Kings were rumored to be asking the Lakers for a first-round draft pick for Ellis, which would have been a vast overpay. The longtime rival has no reason to help Los Angeles, but fans can’t believe it was Hunter who got them to trade Ellis. Yes, the Kings got off unwanted salary, but this move feels like the latest disaster class by Sacramento.
The Cavaliers were 8.1 points per 100 possessions better this season without Hunter on the floor. Luka Doncic makes any wing look better, but the Lakers' interest in him was always as a buy-low target. They couldn’t compete with an offer of Ellis and Schroder. Sacramento and Cleveland accomplished goals without LA’s help. That shouldn’t be a surprise, but it is painful.
Rob Pelinka has work to do before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. The Lakers desperately need a 3-and-D wing to improve their odds of competing with the best teams. Luka Doncic is unstoppable and playing the best basketball of his career. LeBron James is still elite, and Austin Reaves is blossoming into a superstar. LA owes it to their star trio to upgrade their roster and chase a ring.
Ellis would have been the perfect fit, but he will be helping LeBron’s first team, not his current one. The Lakers are light on tradeable assets. They have one first-round draft pick and expiring contracts to offer in any deal. It should net them something, but Pelinka missed on the names the franchise was most linked to. Fans hope that means he has another trick up his sleeve.
The Los Angeles Lakers will not be trading for De’Andre Hunter or Keon Ellis, as they were dealt for each other on Saturday night. It is back to the drawing board with just a few days left to make moves. Pelinka can’t get caught watching if the Lakers want to be serious contenders. The pressure is on, and fans should stay tuned, because you never know when a deal will happen.