The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be somewhat active at the trade deadline, but the question is just how active they will be. The Lakers believe they have a roster capable of making a deep run with the right adjustments; it is simply a matter of what the cost will be. However, LeBron James has made it clear that he wants to spend the latter stages of his career on a contending team.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “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.”
One name the Lakers are expected to pursue at the deadline to make the Lakers legitimate contenders is Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis.
“The Lakers, Pistons, Raptors, Sixers, and Warriors are among the huge group of teams who have shown trade interest in Keon Ellis. Unable to find a consistent role in Sacramento, Ellis is viewed as a player who will fit well within a contender’s rotation,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
While several teams have been linked to Ellis, The Athletic’s Sam Amick believes the market is even larger than Sidery listed.
“League and team sources say the Kings continue to draw serious interest in veteran guard Keon Ellis, with approximately 10 teams in pursuit of the 26-year-old. A deal is almost certain to go down before the Feb. 5 deadline, if not much sooner. The strangest part of it all? Despite Ellis’ three-and-D skillset being so coveted, Kings coach Doug Christie opted against playing Ellis in the past two games. The Kings are seeking a late first-round pick in the deal,” Amick said.
There is little doubt the Lakers will pursue Ellis as aggressively as any team, and landing him would be a significant boost. With Sacramento potentially entering a rebuild, it will be interesting to see what Los Angeles is willing to give up.
With only a couple of weeks remaining until the trade deadline, the Lakers appear to be firmly in the mix. This is a move that could significantly help the team as it pursues deep postseason aspirations.
