The Los Angeles Lakers like Keon Ellis, but they are not giving up a first-round pick to get him. That is the disconnect stopping any real trade momentum with the Sacramento Kings. As of now, interest exists, but commitment does not.
The first-round pick asking price is a roadblock
NBA insider Jake Fischer made that clear when discussing the situation, explaining that Sacramento’s asking price is a first-rounder. That is a cost the Lakers simply are not prepared to meet.
Fischer said, “The Lakers would love Keon Ellis, but right now, the asking price I keep hearing for Keon Ellis is a first-round pick. And I don’t think the Lakers, with their sparse draft capital, are going to think that Keon Ellis is worth one of their few first-round picks available.”
On paper, it is easy to understand why the Lakers would be intrigued by the Kings’ guard. Ellis is a clean fit for what they need. He is excellent at perimeter defense, has good, quick decision-making skills, and is a player who does not need touches to be effective. That last part is essential when you have guys like LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the squad.
The problem is timing. This is not the same Ellis who broke out a season ago. In 2024–25, he appeared in 80 games, started 28 of them, averaged 8.3 points and 1.5 steals, and shot 43.3 percent from three on four attempts per game. That version of Ellis looked like a legitimate long-term rotation piece.
This season has been a rollercoaster. Through 31 games, Ellis is averaging just 5.3 points and shooting a career-low 34.3 percent from deep. He is playing around 17 minutes a night in a crowded Kings backcourt that includes Russell Westbrook, Dennis Schroder, Malik Monk, Devin Carter, and Zach LaVine. Even with injuries opening up opportunities to get onto the court more, he has not been able to recapture last year’s rhythm.
There is also the bigger picture to consider. Ellis is approaching free agency after the Kings declined to extend him last offseason. That adds urgency for Sacramento but caution for Los Angeles. The Lakers do not have the draft capital to gamble on a role player who is not currently playing at his best.
Nonetheless, Ellis still makes sense as a target, just not at this price. Unless Sacramento softens its demand and allows the Lakers to buy low, this feels more like a fit that stays theoretical. For now, Fischer’s takeaway holds. A first-round pick is the line the Lakers will not cross, and until that changes, Keon Ellis is likely not going to be putting on the purple and gold anytime soon.
If the asking price does not lower, the Lakers can look over to an East team for a potential player that could fit their needs. Toronto Raptor's Ochai Agbaji could be a good option, as he is a low-risk, high-reward player that will not cost a lot of draft capital to obtain.