The Los Angeles Lakers are staring down a critical stretch as the trade deadline inches closer, and the pressure to make a meaningful move is mounting. With a roster that’s struggled to find consistency and cohesion, the front office is actively seeking reinforcements-particularly a two-way wing or a 3-and-D forward who can boost their perimeter defense and knock down shots. Add in a need for more athleticism, speed, and possibly a defensive-minded big, and you’ve got a team that knows it’s not quite complete.
One name that’s been circulating in trade chatter is Keon Ellis, a guard currently playing for the Sacramento Kings. While Ellis isn’t a marquee name, he’s the kind of under-the-radar player who could quietly fill a need for a contending team. He’s a solid defender, not elite but certainly capable, and he’s shown the ability to stretch the floor with a reliable three-point shot.
The Kings, sitting at a dismal 12-35, appear open to dealing Ellis. According to reports, Sacramento is looking for a late first-round pick in return.
That’s a steep ask for a role player, especially one who’s only once averaged more than 18 minutes per game in his four-year career. But Ellis is drawing interest-reportedly from around 10 teams-which could drive up the price.
For the Lakers, the calculus is tricky. They currently have just one future first-round pick available to trade, thanks to the NBA’s Stepien Rule, and burning that asset on a complementary piece like Ellis might not be in the cards. Still, there’s a path forward if Sacramento is willing to prioritize youth and upside.
One proposed package includes that future pick and Dalton Knecht, a recent first-round selection who hasn’t yet carved out a consistent role in L.A.’s rotation. While Knecht has struggled to earn minutes this season, he showed flashes of promise last year before the Lakers pulled off the blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić. If Sacramento is looking to retool with young talent, Knecht plus a pick could be enough to get a deal done.
From the Lakers’ perspective, it’s a question of value and timing. Ellis is a 6-foot-4 guard who could help shore up the point-of-attack defense, an area where L.A. has been exposed, especially with Gabe Vincent struggling to make a positive impact.
But Ellis’s production this season-5.5 points per game on 39.2% shooting overall and 36.4% from deep in 17.4 minutes-doesn’t exactly scream “difference-maker.” His career shooting numbers (46% from the field, 41.5% from three) suggest there’s more to unlock, but the sample size remains limited.
There’s also a broader strategy at play. The Lakers are reportedly focused on maintaining flexibility for the offseason, when a potentially seismic opportunity could arise.
Rumors continue to swirl that two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo might become available, and L.A. wants to be in position to make a serious run if that happens. That means preserving assets-especially that lone tradable first-rounder-could be the priority unless the right deal emerges.
So the Lakers are walking a tightrope. They need help now, but they can’t afford to mortgage the future for a marginal upgrade.
Keon Ellis might fit the bill as a low-cost, high-upside addition-but only if the price is right. And with multiple teams reportedly in the hunt, the question becomes whether L.A. is willing to push their chips in, or if they’ll wait for a bigger play down the line.