Kings seen as reluctant to send Hunter to rival Lakers

With Jonathan Kuminga off the board in Minnesota, Lakers reporter Jacob Rude says a trade is now more likely than a free-agent signing, though roster spots around the league are scarce.

Team insider Khobi Price floats Kings forward De'Andre Hunter as a fit, but podcaster Allen Silwa doubts Sacramento would deal an in-division rival without real draft compensation or a player like Dalton Knecht.

A trade idea reported by Heavy would send Hunter to the Lakers for Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Knecht and a 2022 second-round pick from Washington.

Hunter is owed $24.9 million on an expiring deal, filling a starting wing spot for coach JJ Redick. Sacramento would clear money it cannot commit to Hunter long-term while taking on two players who can be waived within a year.