The Los Angeles Lakers are searching for roster upgrades ahead of February's NBA trade deadline.
One player who has frequently been linked to the Lakers is Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis. Ellis has been in-and-out of the Kings' rotation this season but is viewed highly by other teams.
Ellis is averaging 5.7 points, 1.4 rebounds and is shooting 35.9% from three this season. He is a pesky defensive player who's a career 41.6% shooter from deep. Forbes' Evan Sidery said the Lakers recently inquired about Ellis
"The Lakers recently checked in with the Kings on Keon Ellis," Sidery said. "Sacramento is seeking at least a 1st-round pick for Ellis, who is viewed as a well above-average 3-and-D guard."
More: Should the Lakers keep Jake LaRavia in the starting lineup?
Ellis is in his fourth NBA season, all in Sacramento. He made 28 starts for the Kings last season but has seen a decreased role this year. He's played 25+ minutes in just eight games so far.
The Lakers are open to including Dalton Knecht in a potential trade for Ellis, according to Sidery. Knecht hasn't found a consistent role with the Lakers in his second season and recently spent time with the team's G-League affiliate.
"Los Angeles is willing to include Dalton Knecht, but they currently only have one tradable pick in 2031."
Ellis would be a strong pickup for the Lakers, who could use more shooting and defense as they make their playoff push in the tightly contested Western Conference.
Los Angeles (23-11) has won four of its past five games after suffering a three-game losing streak last month. The Lakers are third in the West and 5.5 games out of first place.
More Lakers news:
Lakers predicted to trade $18 million second-year guard after disappointing stint
Lakers predicted to reunite with $32 million Mavericks guard involved in Luka Doncic trade
Lakers predicted to build around Luka Doncic, trade $53.8 million breakout star
Klutch agent Rich Paul reveals he gave in-game advice to LeBron James, Lakers