Lakers Target Keon Ellis as Trade Deadline Nears, Eyeing Win-Now Move for LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves firmly in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race as the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaches. With young guard Austin Reaves nearing a return from injury and roster decisions looming, the Lakers are once again balancing the delicate line between building for the future and maximizing their championship window with LeBron James.

At 40 years old, LeBron remains productive at an elite level, but the urgency surrounding his final seasons is unmistakable. His longtime agent, Rich Paul, made that clear in recent comments to ESPN.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

Those comments underscore the pressure on the Lakers’ front office to make meaningful upgrades—particularly ones that improve the team immediately without mortgaging the future.

Keon Ellis Emerges as Key Trade Target

One name gaining traction ahead of the February trade deadline is Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings. Ellis has quietly developed into a valuable two-way contributor, earning attention for his defensive versatility, perimeter shooting, and ability to thrive without needing high usage.

The Lakers view Ellis as a strong 3-and-D upgrade, especially on a roster that has struggled with perimeter defense and consistency on the wing. His ability to guard multiple positions and space the floor would fit seamlessly alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

To facilitate a deal, Los Angeles could offer Dalton Knecht and a future first-round pick, a package that may appeal to Sacramento if the Kings decide to pivot toward youth and long-term upside.

Dalton Knecht’s Role in Potential Trade

According to Lake Show Life’s Maxwell Ogden, there is a realistic pathway for the Lakers to acquire Ellis if Sacramento prioritizes developmental assets.

“If the Kings are prioritizing youth and upside in a trade for Ellis, however, there is a reasonable path to the Lakers acquiring him,” Ogden wrote. “Dalton Knecht and a future first-round pick would give the Kings an instant and long-term influx of promising talent.”

Knecht, while no longer a consistent part of the Lakers’ rotation, remains an intriguing prospect. Before the Luka Dončić trade during the 2024–25 season, Knecht had turned heads with his scoring potential and offensive versatility. However, his role diminished significantly in 2025–26, as the Lakers leaned more heavily on veterans and defensive-minded lineups.

JJ Redick Addresses Knecht’s Struggles

First-year head coach JJ Redick offered insight into Knecht’s uneven development, attributing much of the struggle to fatigue and overtraining rather than a lack of talent.

“The guy did too much after the season,” Redick said. “And I think in summer league, he was burnt out. He was coming in here at 5 AM, getting shots up, then doing two workouts with our summer league staff and in the weight room.”

Redick’s comments suggest the Lakers still believe in Knecht’s long-term potential, but also recognize that a change of scenery may be necessary for his growth—especially on a roster focused on immediate contention.

Why the Trade Makes Sense for Both Teams

From the Lakers’ perspective, adding Ellis would directly address one of their biggest weaknesses: perimeter defense. His ability to defend elite guards, knock down open threes, and play within a structured system would elevate the team’s playoff readiness.

For Sacramento, acquiring Knecht could provide an opportunity for a fresh start. With rookie Dylan Cardwell thriving under veteran leadership, the Kings have shown a willingness to develop young talent in the right environment. Knecht could benefit from a clearer developmental pathway and fewer win-now pressures than he faces in Los Angeles.

The addition of a first-round pick would further sweeten the deal, giving Sacramento flexibility to reshape its roster or leverage assets in future trades.

Lakers’ Deadline Direction Becoming Clear

With Reaves nearing a return and the standings tightening in the West, the Lakers appear increasingly inclined to make a win-now move. While they remain committed to long-term sustainability, the message from LeBron James’ camp is clear: championship contention matters—now.

A potential trade for Keon Ellis wouldn’t be a splashy blockbuster, but it could be the type of smart, targeted move that strengthens the Lakers where it matters most.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office to see whether they pull the trigger on a deal that could define the remainder of LeBron James’ tenure in Los Angeles.