About a month out from the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers are sitting in first place in the Pacific Division with a 23-12 record.
However, the team could still use some reinforcements, particularly on defense. As a result, ESPN’s NBA insiders recently identified a trade between the Lakers and another Pacific Division team that could be mutually beneficial.
NBA Insiders Suggest Lakers Trade for Defensive Stud
The Lakers have had plenty of punch on offense. Star Luka Doncic is putting up 33.7 points per game, while LeBron James is still putting up 21.7. Austin Reaves is currently injured, but the guard is averaging 26.6 points in 23 games this season.
Per NBA Advanced Stats, the Lakers are 9th in net offense rating. Defense has been a different story, however, as the team is 23rd in defense rating. Doncic and James, in particular, have both received criticism for their defensive performance this season.
As a result, ESPN’s NBA insiders identified some realistic trades that could occur before the deadline. It was suggested that the Lakers trade young wing Dalton Knecht and a future second-round pick to the Sacramento Kings for guard Keon Ellis.
Ellis is a defensive standout, but he has been out of the rotation at times this season. Ellis is averaging 5.7 points and 1.2 steals in 17.9 minutes per game this year. Regarding this deal, the following analysis was offered:
Ellis is a natural fit for the Lakers, who rank 23rd in defensive rating and an even worse 29th since the start of December. His 3-point shot has regressed this season (35.5%, versus 42.9% in his career prior), but that lack of offensive oomph is precisely why the hard-nosed defender might be attainable in a small-scale deal like this.
As mentioned, Ellis doesn’t provide much on offense, but he’s a much better defensive option than Knecht, Gabe Vincent, or Nick Smith Jr.
Ellis is also slated to enter free agency after this season, so the Kings may be willing to trade him rather than risk losing him for nothing. The Kings could be willing to part with the guard for a controllable player like Knecht.
Lakers May Need To Make Bold Move To Contend in 2025-26
We don’t know if this will be James’ last season, but it’s clear the Lakers want to make one more run. Unfortunately, the Western Conference is loaded with talented teams, making it a challenging task.
The Lakers went through a rough stretch around Christmas in which head coach JJ Redick publicly blasted his team. Since the loss on Christmas Day, though, the team is 4-2 and has been playing better.
Perhaps a trade is what the team needs to go from a good team to one of the Western Conference elites. Ellis isn’t a star player by any means, but he’s affordable and is the type of role player any contender wants.