Lakers Want Keon Ellis — But Landing Him May Be Much Harder Than Expected

As the NBA’s unofficial trade window approaches on December 15, the Los Angeles Lakers already have their eyes on one of the league’s most intriguing defensive role players: Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings.

But wanting him is one thing. Getting him?

That’s shaping up to be a real challenge.

📞 Kings Are Getting Flooded With Calls for Keon Ellis

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Kings’ phone lines are already buzzing with interest.

“Their phones are already ringing for Keon Ellis… The Kings have to decide whether they want to move him or keep him for the future.”

Stein also notes that only two players are fully off-limits in Sacramento:

Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford.

Everyone else is fair game — Ellis included.

But the key phrase Stein used is “net-positive trade.” And that’s where things get complicated for the Lakers.

🛡️ Keon Ellis: The Exact Archetype LA Desperately Needs

There’s no mystery behind the leaguewide demand.

Ellis checks every single box for contenders:

• Lockdown perimeter defender
• Legitimate 3-and-D weapon
• Disruptive hands (1.5 steals per game last season)
• 43.3% from three last year
• High motor, high IQ
• Only 25 years old

He’s the perfect modern guard for a Luka Dončić–led team that still lacks a true point-of-attack defender.

And the Lakers know it.

⏳ Strange Decline in Minutes Only Fuels More Interest

Despite Sacramento’s poor 5–16 start and defensive struggles, Ellis has fallen out of Mike Brown’s rotation, playing over 10 minutes just once in his last five games and even logging a DNP against Denver.

It’s baffling usage for a guy who was a major contributor last season:

• 24.4 minutes per game
• 8.3 points
• 2.7 assists
• 1.5 steals
• 43.3% from deep

That disconnect only increases the likelihood that teams will chase him — and increases pressure on the Kings to consider offers.

💼 The Real Issue: Do the Lakers Have the Assets?

This is the million-dollar question.

Ellis is:

• Young
• Cheap
• Productive
• A premium defender
• On an expiring deal (which raises his cost, not lowers it)

And with multiple teams already calling, the Lakers may find themselves outgunned in a bidding war.

LA can offer picks and rotation players…

But is it enough to beat other contenders with more flexibility and better draft capital?

Right now, that seems uncertain.

🎯 The Verdict: Perfect Fit, Tough Acquisition

Keon Ellis would be a dream addition for the Lakers — a seamless defensive piece who fills their biggest roster need.

But with Sacramento taking calls early and his market heating up, Rob Pelinka will have to get creative if he wants to stay in the race.

Ellis makes too much sense for the Lakers.

That’s exactly why he might be out of reach.