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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - OCTOBER 28: Keon Ellis #23 of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on October 28, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to look for trade targets, despite not having too much to offer ahead of the trade deadline. Management expects to keep the “big three” of Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves on the roster for the rest of the season. However, the role players are expendable during this final two-week stretch of finding ideal trade targets.
Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis remains one of the most active names that other teams hope to acquire for the right price. Lakers reporter Maxwell Ogden revealed the ideal trade package for both sides:
“If the Kings are prioritizing youth and upside in a trade for Ellis, however, there is a reasonable path to the Lakers acquiring him. Dalton Knecht and a future first-round pick would give the Kings an instant and long-term influx of promising talent. Though Knecht has struggled to secure playing time in 2025-26, he turned heads prior to the Luka Doncic trade in 2024-25.”
Lakers fans are skeptical about the team giving up a future first round draft pick for a role player in his mid-20s yet to prove himself. Sacramento has barely played Ellis this season, despite struggling and badly needing new talent to step up.
Is Keon Ellis Worth A Pick?
Most pundits around the league don’t believe Ellis is worth a first-round draft pick due to the Kings not even believing in him enough to play often. However, up to ten teams have shown interest in Ellis due to the slim pickings on the market and his ability to fill the role of a “three and D” player.
The Lakers would heavily protect a future first-round draft pick to ensure it’s not a lottery pick or anywhere near the top ten. Sacramento’s reported demand for a first-round pick also has the explanation of them being content with a late first rounder.
Kings’ management is aware they are not getting a strong draft pick for Ellis, but they just want a chance at one in the first round. Dalton Knecht and a future protected pick could be enough to acquire Ellis and give the Lakers some more versatility heading into the playoffs.
Could Keon Ellis Help The Future?
Ellis has never averaged more than 24 minutes per game in an NBA season, and he’s only played over 20 minutes per game in one season. Sacramento has failed to develop Ellis into an objectively good NBA rotation player, but his skill set is interesting.
Teams like the Lakers badly need the younger defenders with the ability to keep up with opposing superstar guards. Ellis is not a shutdown defender, but he’s good enough to make opponents work hard and is better than anyone the Lakers can have defend guards.
Future years will see the Lakers trying to build a new roster around Doncic as the new face of the franchise. Ellis is on a cheap contract and would likely re-sign on a team-friendly deal this summer. Knecht felt like part of the Lakers’ future during last season’s rookie year, but it’s become clear he’s expendable now due to JJ Redick not trusting him on the court.