Why Lakers are in trouble after blockbuster De'Andre Hunter, Keon Ellis three-team trade

It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers were interested in Keon Ellis and De’Andre Hunter on the trade market. 

Either three-and-D wing would have sufficed for the Lakers, as their three-point shooting prediction and half-court defense have been noticeable weaknesses for the franchise this year. 

Unfortunately, Ellis and Hunter are officially off the board as Ellis joined the Cleveland Cavaliers and Hunter joined the Sacramento Kings via a three-team Saturday night trade involving the Chicago Bulls. 

Shortly after ESPN’s Shams Charania announced the deal, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel delivered less-than-ideal news to the Lakers and their fan base. 

“No Hunter or Ellis for the Lakers,” Siegel wrote on X/Twitter. "Five days left, and the market for what LA wants is very limited. The Lakers are one of the most interesting teams to watch before the trade deadline, especially since they need a key addition on the wing to compete for a title.”

Essentially, with the Lakers' top-2 trade targets out of the picture, the franchise will have to scramble to execute a deal before next Thursday. If the Lakers don’t like their remaining wing options, they could explore a trade for a frontcourt contributor. 

Daniel Gafford’s established chemistry and success alongside Luka Doncic with the Dallas Mavericks could make him a sneaky-good addition.

At the end of the day, the Lakers shouldn’t be content with having an unproductive trade season, which should motivate them to get the job done in the next few days.

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