Latest Lakers trade rumor involves 6-foot-4 defensive specialist who would be perfect for Luka Doncic

Jeremy Beren

•
Latest Lakers trade rumor involves 6-foot-4 defensive specialist who would be perfect for Luka Doncic image

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have shown resolve in playing through injuries to Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

Head coach JJ Redick has the Lakers playing at a 57-win pace, one-third of the way through the 2025-26 NBA season. But Los Angeles definitely has room for improvement.

Despite boasting a powerful, seventh-ranked offense by offensive rating, the Lakers have struggled on the other end of the court. LA ranks a modest 14th in net rating, largely due to placing 23rd in points allowed per 100 possessions. The Lakers' 117.8 defensive rating is the worst of any team currently in a guaranteed playoff position.

This would explain the Lakers' reported interest in Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis, who would provide a major defensive jolt to Redick's backcourt.

Ellis, a four-year veteran, has found his niche as a defensive specialist who shot better than 40 percent from 3-point range in each of the past two seasons.

Though his offensive production has declined this season, from 8.3 points to 5.1 points per game, Ellis' reputation around the NBA remains high. According to Sean Deveney, the Lakers have the pending free agent wing "near the top of their trade wish-list" for the coming weeks.

“He has not even played that great this season, but he has a couple things going for him that are pushing his market," one general manager told Heavy Sports. "One, he is plug-and-play. Everybody needs another guy who can knock down shots and defend on the perimeter. Two, he is cheap. He makes ($2.3) million."

The Kings are hoping to engineer a bidding war and land a protected first-round draft pick for Ellis that could kickstart a rebuild in Sacramento. The Lakers own their first-round picks in 2026, 2028 and 2030, one of which could end up being part of a package that would bring more balance to the LA backcourt.

More NBA news:

Staff Writer