With the NBA trade deadline just hours away, the Sacramento Kings find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. The front office has been active behind the scenes, weighing potential moves that could shape the next phase of their rebuild. One intriguing scenario floating around the league involves veteran forward DeMar DeRozan and center Drew Eubanks heading south to the Lakers - a hypothetical deal that’s turning heads for good reason.
Sacramento’s Rebuild: Youth and Defense at the Core
Let’s start with the Kings’ current direction. Sacramento’s front office has made it clear: this rebuild is about youth, athleticism, and a renewed commitment to defense.
That’s why it makes sense that DeRozan - now in his 17th season and never known for his defensive prowess - doesn’t quite fit into the long-term picture. He’s still a bucket-getter, no doubt, but the Kings are looking to build around a different kind of core.
Since trade season kicked off in December, Sacramento has been exploring options to move DeRozan. There’s been interest, but nothing has materialized into a deal. And with the deadline less than a day away, the odds are growing that DeRozan will finish the season in a Kings uniform.
That’s not necessarily a bad outcome. DeRozan remains one of the league’s most reliable mid-range scorers, and his veteran presence can still provide value on and off the court.
If nothing gets done by the deadline, Sacramento can revisit trade talks in the offseason. This isn’t a one-shot window - it’s a long game.
The Lakers Angle: DeRozan and Eubanks to L.A.?
Now let’s talk about the Lakers, who are entering a new chapter of their own. With LeBron James’ contract expiring this summer and no extension in sight, the franchise is pivoting toward a future centered around Luka Dončić. That shift opens the door for a deal like this one.
The proposed trade would send DeRozan and Eubanks to Los Angeles in exchange for Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, and two future draft picks. From the Lakers’ perspective, it’s a move that adds experience and depth. DeRozan gives them a dependable scorer to complement Luka, while Eubanks adds size and energy to the frontcourt rotation.
For Sacramento, it’s about acquiring young, controllable talent - and that’s where things get interesting.
What the Kings Would Get in Return
LaRavia is a familiar face in Sacramento. He was briefly with the Kings last season, and the team reportedly wanted to keep him, but contract issues got in the way. He’s a versatile forward with upside, and reuniting with him would align with the Kings’ youth-first strategy.
Then there’s Knecht, a promising young guard who has reportedly asked for a trade out of L.A. He’s looking for a new opportunity, and Sacramento could be the right fit. Add in Hachimura - a solid two-way wing whose contract expires at season’s end - and the Kings would walk away with three young players and future picks to continue building their roster around.
From a contract standpoint, it works. Hachimura is on an expiring deal, LaRavia’s runs through 2027, and Knecht has a team option after the 2026 season.
For the Lakers, this is a chance to turn three movable pieces into a pair of veterans who can help right away. For the Kings, it’s a shot at reshaping the roster with players who better match their timeline.
Big Picture Takeaway
Whether this deal happens before the deadline or resurfaces in the offseason, it speaks volumes about where both franchises are headed. The Lakers are trying to retool around Luka and chase another title. The Kings are committed to a long-term rebuild with an eye on defense, development, and flexibility.
DeRozan may not be the future in Sacramento, but he’s still got plenty to offer. And if the right deal comes along - whether it’s this one or something else - the Kings will be ready to make their move.