Robert Marvi, LeBron WireSat, January 31, 2026 at 1:43 AM UTC·2 min readWith less than a week to go before the NBA's Feb. 5 trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly have at least six trade targets. But one of them — the Cleveland Cavaliers' De'Andre Hunter — could be at or near the top of their wish list.
In fact, according to Chris Fedor, who made an appearance on the "Wine and Gold" podcast, the Lakers and Cavaliers have discussed a "general framework" of a deal that would send Hunter to Los Angeles. This framework, according to Fedor, would cost L.A. forward Rui Hachimura and second-year wing Dalton Knecht.
“I just want to say from people that I’ve talked to, my sources tell me that a general framework has been discussed between the Cavs and the Lakers and a third team. It’s hard because the Lakers are right below the apron -- like $900,000 below the apron, but they are a tax team, so there are some restrictions that they have, and we all know the complications for the Cavs when it comes to trades, they can’t aggregate salaries, they only have one really first-round draft pick that they can trade, they have to be right on the number in terms of salary-matching purposes. But my sources tell me that the Cavs and the Lakers have discussed a general framework surrounding De’Andre Hunter of Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht, and then bringing in a third team.”
Hunter seems to fit the prototype of the ideal 3-and-D wing or forward the Lakers badly need in order to become championship contenders. He is 6-foot-7 and roughly 220 pounds, reportedly has a wingspan of about 7-foot-2 and possesses ample athleticism. At age 28, his timeline could line up with that of Luka Doncic.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe one concern with Hunter is his shooting splits this season. He's at just 42.2% from the field overall and 30.9% from 3-point range this season, but he does have career marks of 44.8% overall and 36.5% from 3-point range. He is a nice complementary scorer (13.9 points a game this season and 14.7 a game for his career), and he's known as a capable defender.
He has one more season after this one left on his contract, and he will make a total of $23.3 million this season.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers, Cavs have talked 'general framework' of De'Andre Hunter deal
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