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The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to get Jonathan Kuminga.

However, given their financial situation and his contract aspirations, the Atlanta Hawks will most likely have to help them with a sign-and-trade.

Given the team’s apparent reluctance to do so, the Lakers may have no choice but to pursue someone else before free agency and the trade market dries out even more.

Considering that, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report predicted they could set their sights on Northern California to steal De’Andre Hunter from the Sacramento Kings.

The Lakers could pivot to De’Andre Hunter

Hunter is a former lottery pick who has shown flashes of being a strong three-and-D player over the years.

He’s been wildly inconsistent from season to season and has struggled to stay on the floor at times, but he’s also tailor-made for JJ Redick’s system and what the Lakers need at forward.

He’s a lengthy athlete who can be a disruptive defender on the wing. His height and long wingspan make him a switchable defender at all forward spots, with opposing players struggling to shoot over him.

He can also score from all three levels, and he’s a team-first guy who has also embraced his role as a Sixth Man when needed.

Granted, the inconsistency and volatile play might also scare the Lakers away, but that’s precisely why they might be able to get him at a discount.