Lakers Trade Rumors Heat Up as Deadline Nears: Keon Ellis Emerges as Realistic Target Amid Knicks Competition

As the 2026 NBA trade deadline rapidly approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to be one of the most active teams in the rumor mill. From blockbuster fantasies to more realistic depth upgrades, nearly every conversation around the deadline seems to include Los Angeles.

The Lakers have been linked to a staggering range of players over the past several weeks — from generational superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, to high-level All-Stars such as Lauri Markkanen, to elite two-way wings like Trey Murphy and Herb Jones. On paper, those names are exciting. In reality, actually landing them may be close to impossible.

That growing realization appears to be shaping the Lakers’ strategy — and it has shifted attention toward a much more attainable target: Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings.

Why Blockbuster Trades Are Becoming Unlikely for the Lakers

The Lakers’ interest in elite talent isn’t surprising. With Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves anchoring one of the league’s most dangerous offensive trios, Los Angeles knows its championship window is wide open — but not indefinitely.

However, multiple obstacles stand in the way of blockbuster deals:

• Limited trade assets after previous moves

• Strict salary-cap constraints under the new CBA

• Uncertainty surrounding LeBron James’ future

• Reluctance to move Austin Reaves, one of the team’s most valuable contracts

Recent reporting suggests that the Lakers are effectively out of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, and the asking prices for players like Markkanen and Trey Murphy remain prohibitively high.

That has forced the front office to pivot toward defensive specialists and complementary role players — players who can address the Lakers’ most glaring weakness without gutting the roster.

Keon Ellis: A Shrewd, Low-Cost Defensive Upgrade

That’s where Keon Ellis enters the picture.

According to a recent ESPN mock trade, the Lakers could send Dalton Knecht and a 2032 second-round pick to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Ellis. The deal would be relatively clean financially and would immediately address Los Angeles’ need for perimeter defense.

Ellis, 6-foot-4 and just 25 years old, is in the final year of his contract and making only $2.3 million, making him one of the most cost-effective defensive guards potentially available.

For a Lakers team operating with little financial flexibility, that contract alone makes Ellis an attractive target.

Why the Lakers Need Defense — Badly

The Lakers’ offensive firepower is undeniable. Dončić, James, and Reaves can overwhelm opponents with shot creation, playmaking, and spacing.

Defense, however, remains a persistent issue.

None of the Lakers’ offensive stars are known as lockdown defenders, and the team has struggled to consistently slow down opposing wings and guards — particularly in high-leverage matchups.

Ellis fits the exact archetype Los Angeles needs:

• 3-and-D guard

• Strong on-ball defender

• Active hands and high defensive motor

• Capable catch-and-shoot option offensively

While he hasn’t yet unlocked his full potential in Sacramento’s crowded rotation, scouts around the league believe Ellis could thrive in a more defined role alongside elite playmakers.

Knicks Enter the Picture, Complicating Matters

Just as the Lakers’ interest in Ellis gained traction, another contender entered the race: the New York Knicks.

The Knicks have been linked to Ellis amid a recent four-game losing streak that exposed depth and defensive concerns. According to James L. Edwards of The Athletic, Ellis has emerged as a logical trade target for New York as they look to stabilize their rotation.

“The 6-foot-4 guard is skinny but plays with great energy defensively and has good hand-eye coordination,” Edwards wrote. “Offensively, Ellis should be able to survive as a catch-and-shoot option…”

That description fits exactly what both Los Angeles and New York are seeking — which raises the stakes.

Do the Lakers Have Enough to Outbid New York?

This is where things get tricky for Los Angeles.

The Knicks possess:

• More draft capital

• More young tradeable contracts

• Greater financial flexibility

If New York decides to aggressively pursue Ellis, the Lakers may struggle to match their offer without overpaying — something the front office appears unwilling to do for a role player.

For Los Angeles, the best-case scenario may be Sacramento preferring Knecht’s upside or choosing to move Ellis before the market escalates.

If the Knicks pivot to another target, the Lakers’ path becomes much clearer.

Other Lakers Trade Targets Still in Play

Even if Ellis ultimately lands elsewhere, the Lakers are far from out of options.

Herb Jones (Pelicans)

While Trey Murphy’s price tag is reportedly too steep, Herb Jones remains a realistic possibility. The 27-year-old defensive wing is one of the league’s best perimeter stoppers and is on a team-friendly contract.

“What team couldn’t use a 27-year-old, 6’7” defensive wing earning roughly the league average?” wrote Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, naming the Lakers as a logical destination.

Jones would immediately elevate the Lakers’ defense and fit seamlessly alongside their stars.

Daniel Gafford (Mavericks)

Another name gaining traction is Daniel Gafford, a familiar partner of Luka Dončić from their time in Dallas.

With Deandre Ayton struggling to provide consistent rim protection, Gafford’s athleticism, vertical spacing, and defensive presence could be exactly what Los Angeles needs in the frontcourt.

“If the organization is going to make a win-now move, the return has to address that deficiency,” wrote Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report.

The Bigger Picture: Win Now, But at the Right Price

The Lakers are under pressure to act before the trade deadline. Standing pat is unlikely. Overreaching, however, could be disastrous.

Keon Ellis represents the type of move that fits Los Angeles’ current reality:

• Improves defense

• Preserves star core

• Maintains financial flexibility

• Avoids mortgaging the future

Whether it’s Ellis, Jones, Gafford, or another under-the-radar target, the Lakers are clearly prioritizing defensive versatility and roster balance over headline-grabbing splashes.

The next few weeks will determine whether Los Angeles can thread that needle.

One thing is clear: the Lakers are not done — and whatever move they make will say a lot about how seriously they believe this championship window remains open.