Lakers’ Potential Trade With Kings Could End a 48-Year Drought

As the Los Angeles Lakers approach the trade deadline, one reality has become unavoidable.

This roster needs help.

Specifically, scoring depth and perimeter defense — two areas that could be addressed by an unlikely trade partner: the Sacramento Kings.

If Sacramento decides to sell, a deal between the two franchises would do more than reshape the Lakers’ rotation. It would also end a 48-year drought, as the Lakers and Kings have not completed a trade with one another since 1977.

🔄 Why the Kings Could Be the Answer

This scenario hinges on one key decision: whether Sacramento pivots toward selling at the deadline.

Given their inconsistent play this season, that outcome isn’t far-fetched. If the Kings decide to move veterans and rotation pieces, the Lakers would be well-positioned to strike — especially with assets and expiring contracts available.

And from a basketball standpoint, the fit is clean.

🔁 Malik Monk: A Reunion That Makes Sense

Few players understand the Lakers’ environment better than Malik Monk.

After struggling to find his footing in Charlotte, Monk rebuilt his value during his season in Los Angeles, which directly led to his free-agent payday with Sacramento.

A reunion would immediately address one of LA’s biggest problems.

Monk could serve as a primary scoring option off the bench, keeping the offense afloat when Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sit. His shot creation and three-point shooting would stabilize non-star minutes that have often hurt the Lakers this season.

🛡️ Keon Ellis Solves a Quiet but Serious Need

While Monk would grab headlines, Keon Ellis might be the more important long-term piece.

Ellis is a point-of-attack defender who consistently takes on tough perimeter assignments. Pairing him with Marcus Smart would give the Lakers two reliable defensive guards to deploy against elite wings and ball-handlers.

Offensively, Ellis fits without friction. He spaces the floor, plays off the ball, and doesn’t need high usage — a perfect complement alongside Dončić, Reaves, or LeBron James.

📦 A Plausible Trade Framework

One potential structure could look like this:

Lakers receive:

• Malik Monk
• Keon Ellis

Kings receive:

• Dalton Knecht
• Maxi Kleber
• Jarred Vanderbilt
• 2026 first-round pick
• 2032 second-round pick

For Sacramento, the appeal lies in flexibility, future assets, and a young developmental piece in Knecht. For Los Angeles, it consolidates multiple rotation players into two guards who directly address weaknesses.

⚖️ Why This Isn’t a Slam Dunk

There are obvious risks.

Sacramento may believe Monk alone is worth more. The Lakers, meanwhile, could decide that forward or rim protection help takes priority over guard depth.

But as a concept, the framework works.

🧩 Is There a Real Path Forward?

If the Kings sell, this type of deal becomes very real.

It deepens the Lakers’ backcourt, improves defensive versatility, and reduces the strain on their stars — all while snapping a trade drought that has lasted nearly half a century.

Not every trade idea is clean.

But this one?

It checks more boxes than most.