Saturday night (February 1, 2026) delivered a gut punch to the Los Angeles Lakers: De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis—two wings the team had been heavily linked to—were traded for each other in a three-team deal, slamming the door on LA’s pursuit of both players just days before the NBA trade deadline (February 5, 3 p.m. ET).
Trade Breakdown:
- Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Keon Ellis + Dennis Schröder
- Sacramento Kings receive: De’Andre Hunter
- Chicago Bulls receive: Dario Šarić + two second-round picks
The Lakers had been strongly connected to both Hunter (a versatile 3-and-D forward) and Ellis (a young, tenacious perimeter defender). Both fit the team’s urgent need for size, length, and defense on the wing—especially to complement Luka Dončić’s creation, LeBron James’ versatility, and Anthony Davis’ interior dominance. Now, both are gone: Hunter to Sacramento (salary relief + retool), Ellis to Cleveland (secondary depth boost).
Why This Hurts the Lakers
- Hunter’s profile: Despite a down year in Cleveland (On/Off: Cavs +8.1 points/100 possessions without him), he’s still a multi-positional defender with solid 3PT shooting (~38% career) and two years left on his deal (~$20M AAV). Lakers viewed him as a classic buy-low target.
- Ellis’ upside: A young (25), high-motor perimeter pest with steal upside and switchability—ideal for guarding wings in playoff matchups. Kings reportedly asked LA for a first-rounder (seen as overpay), but traded him to Cleveland with Schröder instead.
- Rival “saves” LA?: Kings’ decision to take Hunter (subpar defender, overpaid) for Ellis feels like another questionable Sacramento move—yet it indirectly “saved” the Lakers from overpaying.
Pelinka’s Deadline Pressure: What Now?
With Hunter and Ellis off the board, Rob Pelinka has work to do. The Lakers’ wing defense ranks mid-pack, and they’re vulnerable to elite wings in the West. They need a 3-and-D player who can:
- Guard multiple positions
- Shoot open 3s
- Not demand touches (fit with Luka/AD/LeBron)
Remaining realistic targets:
- Andrew Wiggins (Miami Heat) – long-linked, proven champion, 3-and-D fit.
- Dorian Finney-Smith (Nets or trade rumor) – if Brooklyn sells.
- OG Anunoby (Knicks) – unlikely but possible if Knicks pivot.
- Cam Johnson (Nets) – spacing, but defense lighter.
- Veteran buy-lows: Caleb Martin, Royce O’Neale, Torrey Craig.
Lakers assets: One first-round pick (mid-late if playoff team), expiring contracts (Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Max Christie), young pieces (Jalen Hood-Schifino, Dalton Knecht).
The Stakes: Win-Now Window with Luka, LeBron, Reaves
Luka is playing the best basketball of his career. LeBron remains elite at 41. Austin Reaves has blossomed into a superstar. The Lakers owe it to this trio to upgrade and chase ring #18. Standing pat risks regret in a loaded West.
Fans: Pelinka will pull off a surprise before Thursday? Wiggins the move? Or stay quiet? Comment your predictions—this deadline could define the season!