Lakers Eye Keon Ellis Trade to Bolster Depth and Defense Ahead of Deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers face a pressing need for roster upgrades as the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches. Despite boasting top-tier talent in Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, Los Angeles struggles with depth and defensive consistency, ranking 25th in 3-point percentage and 22nd in defensive rating this season. To contend seriously for an NBA title, the Lakers must address their weaknesses—particularly on the perimeter.
One potential solution could come from the Sacramento Kings: acquiring Keon Ellis, a young defensive-minded guard who fits exactly what the Lakers are missing. However, Sacramento’s asking price complicates matters. The Kings reportedly want Los Angeles’ only tradeable first-round pick, which the Lakers are reluctant to surrender.
Potential Trade Targets: Malik Monk and Devin Carter
Sacramento is looking to move on from Malik Monk and Devin Carter, two rotation players who have been on the fringes of the Kings’ lineup this season. Both are currently trade rumors and could provide the Lakers with valuable pieces without forcing them to part with their prized draft pick.
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Malik Monk previously played for the Lakers in 2022, showing flashes of scoring ability. He brings floor spacing that complements stars like Doncic and Reaves.
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Devin Carter, a 2024 lottery pick, has significant defensive upside and has shown potential in G League performances, making him a strong two-way candidate for the Lakers.
Both players could contribute immediately while Sacramento gains salary relief and draft flexibility, making the trade mutually beneficial.
Lakers’ Existing Trade Assets
Los Angeles has several expiring contracts that could sweeten a trade package, along with potential future draft assets. These elements provide flexibility in negotiating a deal with the Kings while avoiding the need to part with their first-round pick.
A proposed trade could look like this:
Lakers Receive: Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, Devin Carter
Kings Receive: Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, 2030 1st-round swap, 2032 2nd-rounder
Vincent, Kleber, and Knecht have struggled this season and are unlikely to factor significantly in the playoffs, making them logical assets to move for Los Angeles. The Lakers had previously tried to trade Knecht to Charlotte for Mark Williams, but the deal was rescinded after the big man failed his physical. Moving these players now could free cap space and give the Lakers immediate contributors for a postseason push.
Why Keon Ellis Matters
Ellis offers the defensive toughness and versatility that the Lakers desperately need. His ability to guard multiple positions, contest shots, and pressure opposing ball handlers could help Los Angeles address its perimeter defensive deficiencies.
Monk’s scoring and Carter’s two-way potential would round out a trade package that enhances both depth and skill versatility, particularly for a team that has struggled to maintain balance around its superstar trio. While fans may initially undervalue Carter’s potential, his defensive instincts and recent G League dominance suggest he could emerge as a key contributor in the right system.
Strategic Impact for the Lakers
This potential trade represents a no-brainer move for a team with championship aspirations. Adding Ellis, Monk, and Carter addresses several critical needs:
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Perimeter defense: Ellis brings defensive toughness and matchup versatility.
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Floor spacing: Monk can create driving lanes and open shots for stars like Doncic and Reaves.
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Two-way upside: Carter adds energy, defensive instincts, and potential growth for future playoff rotations.
If Los Angeles can also secure a rotation upgrade at center over Deandre Ayton, the team could become a legitimate title contender. Currently, the Lakers’ lineup balance is precarious, and small adjustments at the deadline could be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep postseason run.
Historical Context
The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has a track record of being aggressive at the trade deadline. Over the past three years, Los Angeles has reshaped its roster midseason twice, using expiring contracts and draft flexibility to improve immediately.
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in their primes, and LeBron James chasing a potential fifth NBA championship, the time is now. The deadline represents perhaps the last realistic chance to bolster the supporting cast around Los Angeles’ stars for this season.
Sacramento’s Perspective
For the Kings, trading Ellis for Monk, Carter, and future picks would align with their rebuilding goals under new GM Scott Perry. Ellis provides immediate defensive help, but the Kings could gain salary relief and draft capital, helping them reset while moving players who are not central to their long-term plans.
Sacramento would need to weigh the short-term impact of losing Ellis against the future flexibility provided by additional assets and expiring contracts. For the Lakers, these considerations present leverage in negotiations—they may not have to give up their first-round pick if they can offer the right combination of players and minor picks.
Conclusion
As the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches, the Lakers’ roster decisions will define their championship window. A deal involving Keon Ellis, Malik Monk, and Devin Carter could simultaneously:
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Strengthen perimeter defense
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Add scoring and floor spacing
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Provide two-way upside and rotational depth
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Offer Sacramento assets for rebuilding without sacrificing LA’s first-round pick
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in peak form and LeBron James looking to capture a fifth title, this trade could be the missing piece for the Lakers to become a serious championship threat.
The Lakers should open discussions with the Kings immediately, exploring whether a package centered around Monk and Carter could convince Sacramento to part with Ellis without demanding a first-round pick. If executed, this trade would give Los Angeles the defensive versatility, depth, and flexibility required to make a legitimate postseason run.
