In a league where perimeter defense and reliable shooting can make or break a championship run, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing a game-changing addition that could supercharge their roster. Sources indicate that the Purple and Gold are positioning themselves to pursue Sacramento Kings wing Keon Ellis, a 3-and-D specialist boasting a career 43% three-point shooting accuracy and an imposing 6’9″ wingspan. This potential move, ahead of the February 5, 2026, trade deadline, could see Ellis inking a deal with the Lakers, transforming him into a defensive nightmare for opponents and a key piece in LA’s title aspirations.
According to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, who appeared on FanDuel TV’s “Run it Back” episode, the Lakers are actively scouting for players who excel in both locking down the perimeter and draining threes consistently. Currently ranked 21st in defensive efficiency, the Lakers see Ellis as a prime target to bolster their weaknesses. “I talked to somebody yesterday who said the Lakers are looking for a 3-and-D-type guy,” Amick revealed. “Could it be Keon [Ellis], Herb Jones, or somebody like that?”
Ellis, at just 25 years old, has shown flashes of brilliance despite limited opportunities on a struggling Kings team that’s plummeting toward lottery territory. His elite wingspan allows him to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and guard multiple positions, while his sharpshooting from beyond the arc makes him a dual-threat weapon. Scouts league-wide praise his upside, especially if he lands on a contender like the Lakers, where he could thrive alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Imagine Ellis stretching the floor on offense and stonewalling elite scorers on defense—opponents beware, this could be the ingredient that propels LA back to dominance.
But Ellis isn’t the only name on the Lakers’ radar. The team is also monitoring New Orleans Pelicans’ Herb Jones, another defensive stalwart with solid shooting chops. Additionally, Miami Heat’s Andrew Wiggins has emerged as a viable trade target, bringing his own blend of athleticism and perimeter prowess. However, Ellis stands out due to his contract situation: set to become a free agent in 2026, he’s not locked into a long-term deal with Sacramento, making a trade more feasible. The Kings’ reluctance to extend him, coupled with his reduced minutes this season—his lowest since his rookie year—signals that a move could be imminent.
Flash back to last offseason, when Ellis was a hot commodity. The Golden State Warriors coveted him in potential talks for Jonathan Kuminga, but Sacramento balked at sending him to a division rival. Instead, they dangled packages involving Malik Monk and protected picks, but negotiations fizzled as Golden State opted to extend Kuminga. Reports from The Sacramento Bee at the time noted that both Keegan Murray and Ellis were considered “off limits” in those discussions. Fast forward to now, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. With no extension in sight for Ellis and the Kings underperforming, his departure feels inevitable.
The demand for 3-and-D players like Ellis is sky-high in today’s NBA, where spacing and defense dictate success. Look no further than last season’s playoffs: Guys like Aaron Nesmith, Cason Wallace, Obi Toppin, Aaron Wiggins, and Luguentz Dort were unsung heroes for teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, extending series and fueling deep runs. Without these role players complementing stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Tyrese Haliburton, those squads wouldn’t have gone as far. The Lakers, in their quest for another banner, know they need similar support to maximize their window with aging superstars.
Of course, acquiring Ellis won’t come cheap. The Lakers have limited assets, with only one first-round pick (either 2031 or 2032) available for trades. Other intriguing options, like New Orleans’ Trey Murphy III, carry even steeper prices—multiple firsts that LA simply can’t match. But if the Lakers can swing a deal for Ellis, it could lead to a swift contract extension, securing him as a long-term asset ready to “destroy” opponents with his blend of size, shooting, and defensive tenacity.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office. Will they pull the trigger on Ellis and unleash this 3-and-D beast in purple and gold? If so, the Western Conference better brace itself—LA could be back in contender mode, one sharpshooting wing at a time. Stay tuned for updates as the rumor mill heats up.