Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka
Getty
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka during a press conference in June 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers were linked to Keon Ellis leading up to the 2025-2026 NBA trade deadline. The veteran wing was shaping up to be the No. 1 target for the purple and gold.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, the market was deep. And the Sacramento Kings were simply looking for the best offer. The Cleveland Cavaliers won the Ellis sweepstakes.
The Lakers are facing what could potentially become an action-filled offseason. The superstar forward LeBron James is set to become a free agent. Plus, they just might have their eyes on some of the top players in free agency and on the trade market.
If the Lakers want to revisit the Keon Ellis situation, he’ll be available. However, the initial comments coming from the young veteran are bad news for LA. So far, Ellis is enjoying his situation in Ohio.
Keon Ellis Makes His Feelings Clear On The Cavaliers
Keon Ellis
GettyCavaliers guard Keon Ellis during a game against the Sacramento Kings in February 2026
“I think me being in this situation helps everyone. Going into the summer, we’ll see where all the cards end up, but I do think it’s a good situation for both sides,” Ellis told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
“We can both help each other. Who knows what’ll happen in the summer? I definitely think it’s a great situation to be in, coming from Sacramento to here now. I’m definitely excited about it for sure.”
Michael Scotto
Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis on free agency: “I think me being in this situation helps everyone. Going into the summer, we’ll see where all the cards end up, but I do think it’s a good situation for both sides. We can both help each other. Who knows what’ll happen in the summer? I
Ellis made his Cavaliers debut on February 4 against the Sacramento Kings. Since then, he’s played in all but one of the Cavs’ following 11 games.
In a reserve role, Ellis saw the court for an average of 22.6 minutes. The veteran wing shot 50% from the field to score 6.2 points per game. He is also averaging 2.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.
The Cavaliers Are A Huge Lakers Threat
Beyond the idea that a top target like Ellis landed with the Cavaliers, the Lakers have to worry about potentially losing LeBron James to his hometown team.
In early March, it’s unclear where either side is at. Some rumors have suggested that the Lakers are ready to move on from LeBron, while others have stated that another season would be welcomed by the club. If James wants another round with the Lakers, he’ll have to do it at a much lower price than his current $52.6 million option.
Seeing as though the Lakers have had LeBron in the building for many years–and they’ve won a championship together in 2020–there is a chance that LA gets some sort of discount from the 41-year-old superstar.
But Cleveland could certainly get the real hometown discount as well.
When it comes to the LeBron James rumor mill, the discussions of a third stint in Cleveland have gotten loud throughout the 2025-2026 season. James hasn’t decided on his future just yet. Retirement is still in the cards. So is another run with LA, Cleveland, or somewhere else.
Beyond James, the Cavaliers will have to be prepared to make a generous offer to Ellis in order to keep him around.
Seeing as though Ellis was a popular target on the trade market, his demand will be high in free agency. The Cavs would have to come to the table with something much higher than the $2.3 million salary he’s currently on.