The Los Angeles Lakers are having a nice season to this point, as they find themselves at 19-7 and the 3rd seed in the Western Conference. Nice seasons, however, don't get the job done when you have powerhouses like OKC lurking atop the standings.
The Lakers look good, but not without their flaws. They're seemingly a very top-heavy team, as evidenced by their last-place rankings in bench scoring, and their defensive capabilities leave a lot to be desired currently.
To truly compete in this current Thunder-dominated landscape, the Lakers will need to make a trade between now and the playoffs.
One name attached to the Lakers that's been all over the NBA rumor mill is Pelicans' Herb Jones. If he doesn't work out, though, the Lakers reportedly have an interesting backup to pivot to.
More: Bill Simmons trade idea pairs one of the best defenders in the NBA alongside Luka Dončić
Lakers may look to Cleveland to aquire 6'7 3&D wing
All the noise to this point has been about the Lakers having a heavy interest in the Pelicans wing Herb Jones. There's one problem. There is additional noise that the Pelicans do not want to trade Jones to the Lakers under any circumstances.
If this truly is the case, the Lakers will need a backup plan because it can't just be Herb Jones or bust. Luckily, according to Evan Sidery, they do have a backup plan.
De’Andre Hunter is a trade target to monitor for the Lakers.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 19, 2025
As the Cavaliers explore the idea of significantly tweaking their roster, Hunter becomes a coveted commodity during trade season.
Los Angeles is pursuing Herb Jones, but Hunter could become the viable backup plan. Pic.twitter.com/Vp8Brvd5xn
The Lakers are reportedly interested in Cleveland's De'Andre Hunter.
Hunter is a 6'7 former lottery pick who would help the Lakers tremendously. He's averaged roughly 15 PPG for his career, and despite his slump to start this season, has historically shot 37% from three in his career.
The rangy Hunter would also provide an additional talent defensively to the roster. He's a long, athletic body that could help the perimeter defense of the team immensely.
Nothing is set in stone with either Jones or Hunter, but it is nice to hear that Rob Pelinka has a backup plan if their first option falls through.
More NBA News:
Luka Dončić records one of the most absurd statlines of all time
Lakers' Deandre Ayton just won the most important NBA Award you've never heard about
Luka Dončić playing Santa in Los Angeles this holiday season
Lakers' trade deadline hopes hinge on these two 3&D wings