CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 07: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court while guarded by De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on March 07, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

...

Ricardo Sandoval

By Ricardo Sandoval

Contributing Sports Writer

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled mightily for the past month-plus. It’s been a struggle for a team that started the season winning 15 of their first 19 games.

Since then, the Lakers have gone 8-10, and it is clear they need to make a massive roster upgrade if they even want any chance at competing in a loaded Western Conference this season.

More news: Anthony Davis Denies Hand Surgery Report, Rejects Claims He’ll Miss Months

Read More on NBA

The Lakers are poised to make a trade, and it appears LeBron James' agency, Klutch Sports, is pushing the organization to do so. In particular, Klutch seems to be pushing for Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter and Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges.

Hardwood Paroxysm shared that Klutch is reportedly pushing for LA to trade for either Hunter or Bridges as the NBA trade deadline approaches.

“I never know what to make of it when I hear that a Klutch guy wants out because they always seem to want out… until Klutch no longer represents them. But league sources have said the super agency has expressed interest in a Klutch-for-Klutch swap of Deandre Hunter for Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent to the Lakers or to Charlotte for Miles Bridges.”

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 07: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court while guarded by De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on March 07, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

...

The Lakers' need for a defensive upgrade, particularly at the wing, is crucial. The Lakers' defense has been poor all season, and it has not improved as the season has progressed.

Hunter and Bridges would be solid gets for the Lakers, but the possibility of that seems unclear. This could be all smoke coming from James' camp. If so, this wouldn't be the first time they've been vocal about a player they would want to pair alongside James to help him capture another title in LA.

There is significant buzz surrounding Hunter with reports indicating that he wants out of Cleveland. His representation (Klutch Sports) may want him out due to his struggles and salary issues. His role with the Cavaliers has changed frequently, and he may seek a new team as the trade deadline looms.

Bridges is also a Klutch client. He is a solid scoring, versatile wing who could do wonders for any team, and especially the Lakers. He is a popular trade target, and while he is more of an offensive upgrade, the Lakers could use all the help they could get as they lack offense outside of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and James.

More news: Lakers Exploring Jonathan Kuminga Trade With Warriors: Report

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines