The Los Angeles Lakers have been in the market for a sustainable answer at point guard for longer than they would care to admit. Between drafting Lonzo Ball in 2017, respective trades for D'Angelo Russell, Dennis Schröder, and Russell Westbrook, and incessant Trae Young speculation, Los Angeles has been searching far and wide for the next great floor general.
While some might view it as just another rumor, the Lakers reportedly have their eyes on a player who could answer their prayers: Sacramento Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox.
Los Angeles has been linked to a seemingly endless list of big names since the Anthony Davis and LeBron James duo first took shape. It's resulted in various forms of success, with a vast majority of the rumors and speculation pieces failing to result in an actual addition.
For instance, it was as recent as Christmas of 2024 that a report came out naming the Lakers as a potential suitor for Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine.
The report would go on to state that Los Angeles is unwilling to part with Austin Reaves, thus extinguishing any hope of it transpiring. It could be a blessing in disguise, as adding LaVine would be a limiting decision based on his salary and injury history, as well as his lack of defensive consistency.
Thankfully, Fox isn't like the previously rumored or targeted players the Lakers have considered. He's everything the team could ask for and more.
De'Aaron Fox is the perfect star for Lakers to trade for
Before a discussion about what Fox does on the court can transpire, it's important to note how much more affordable he is than other options. For instance, LaVine and speculated Lakers trade target Trae Young are both owed $43,031,940 in 2024-25 and $45,999,660 in 2025-26.
Fox, meanwhile, is owed $34,848,340 in 2024-25 and $37,096,620 in 2025-26—meaning the Lakers would save upwards of $8 million per season compared to the other two commonly listed options.
That may not seem like a lot, but as the NBA operates in fear of the second apron, $8-plus million could make a world of difference. Not only would it give Los Angeles a chance to steer clear of second apron penalties and restrictions, but it could enable them to make a splash in free agency.
That's essential context for any discussion about how Fox would fit with a team that could have two players, Anthony Davis and LeBron James, making upwards of $52 million in 2024-25.
More important than the finances, of course, is what Fox brings to the Lakers on the court. At 27 years age, he's entering the prime of his career having already produced an All-NBA season in 2022-23 and a year during which he led the Association in steals in 2023-24.
Fox is also widely regarded as one of the most clutch players in the NBA, ranking sixth or better in points per fourth quarter in each of the past three seasons.
Furthermore, Fox is an explosive downhill scoring threat who can break any caliber of defender down and get into the paint. That's resulted in him averaging 25.3 points per game since 2020-21, which pairs nicely with marks of 6.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals.
More specific to his strengths, Fox is currently No. 2 in the NBA in points via drives per game—and has ranked no worse than No. 6 in every season since 2019-20.
Defensively, Fox also brings more to the table than LaVine, Young, or just about any of the Lakers' other expected targets at guard. He's one of the best ball hawks in the NBA, as well as a player who has the physical attributes to perform at a high level in isolation.
The success of every trade is based at least partially on the cost of doing business, but the Lakers' interest in Fox is a welcome change from past rumors.