The Los Angeles Lakers have embarked on a transformative journey with their recent signing of Luka Dončić to a 3-year, $165 million contract extension on August 2, 2025. This monumental move signals the franchise’s intent to build a championship-caliber roster around the 26-year-old superstar and their veteran cornerstone, LeBron James. However, to maximize this dynamic duo’s potential, the Lakers may need to make bold roster adjustments, and one potential move could involve trading fan-favorite Austin Reaves for a package headlined by Sacramento Kings’ sharpshooter Keegan Murray and defensive standout Keon Ellis.
Why Trade Austin Reaves?
Austin Reaves, at 27, delivered a career-best performance during the 2024-25 season, showcasing his ability as an on-ball creator and playmaker. However, his defensive shortcomings and overlapping skill set with Dončić could limit his effectiveness in a lineup featuring both the Slovenian maestro and LeBron James. With Dončić and James already providing elite playmaking and ball-handling, Reaves’ role might become redundant, making him a prime candidate for a trade to address other roster needs.
The Lakers’ front office, led by general manager Rob Pelinka, could look to the Sacramento Kings to negotiate a deal that brings in versatile, complementary pieces. According to ClutchPoints’ Rishav Bhat, Keegan Murray has emerged as a trade candidate due to his status as one of Sacramento’s few remaining high-value assets. At 24 years old, with a team-friendly $11.1 million salary, Murray offers a blend of defensive prowess, secondary scoring, and untapped upside that could seamlessly fit into the Lakers’ system.
Keegan Murray: The Perfect Fit for LA
Drafted fourth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Keegan Murray has steadily developed into a reliable two-way forward. In the 2024-25 season, the 6-foot-8 sharpshooter averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks across 76 games for the Kings. His ability to stretch the floor with his 43.3% three-point shooting complements the playmaking of Dončić and James, creating space for their drives and kick-outs. Defensively, Murray’s length and versatility allow him to guard multiple positions, addressing a critical need for the Lakers, who struggled defensively last season.
Murray’s fit within the Lakers’ offensive system is undeniable. His off-ball movement and shooting prowess would thrive alongside Dončić’s pick-and-roll mastery and LeBron’s court vision. At just 24, Murray represents a long-term investment who can grow with Dončić while contributing immediately to a championship push.
Keon Ellis: The Defensive Spark
The proposed trade could also net the Lakers Keon Ellis, a 25-year-old, 6-foot-6 shooting guard who emerged as a defensive standout for the Kings in 2024-25. The undrafted gem averaged 8.3 points and 1.5 steals while shooting an impressive 43.3% from beyond the arc. His 2.0 defensive box plus-minus highlights his ability to disrupt opponents, making him an ideal backcourt partner for Dončić, whose defensive limitations are well-documented.
Ellis’ size, athleticism, and relentless energy on defense could provide the Lakers with a lockdown perimeter presence, capable of guarding opposing guards and wings. His shooting efficiency ensures he won’t clog the offense, allowing Dončić and James to dominate the ball while he spaces the floor. As a young player with room to grow, Ellis could develop into a cornerstone of the Lakers’ backcourt for years to come.
Why Sacramento Might Say Yes
For the Kings, trading Murray and Ellis could be a tough pill to swallow, but it aligns with their reported pursuit of a star point guard following their decision to trade De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs last season. Austin Reaves, with his playmaking ability and scoring touch, could step into the lead guard role for Sacramento. His $12.9 million salary is comparable to Murray’s, making the financials of the trade feasible, while his youth and skill set offer long-term potential for a Kings team looking to retool.
A Risk Worth Taking?
Trading Austin Reaves, a homegrown talent beloved by Lakers fans, would be a bold gamble. However, the acquisition of Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis could provide the perfect balance of shooting, defense, and youth to complement Dončić and James. The duo’s ability to stretch the floor and defend at a high level would address critical roster weaknesses, giving the Lakers a more well-rounded lineup capable of competing with the NBA’s elite.
While such a trade remains speculative, the Lakers must act decisively to surround their 26-year-old superstar with the right pieces. Murray and Ellis represent the kind of versatile, high-upside talent that could elevate Los Angeles to championship contention. As the Dončić-James era begins, Pelinka’s willingness to make tough decisions could define the Lakers’ future.