The news that the Lakers are willing to trade Dalton Knect to the Kings for Keon Ellis originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to upgrade their roster ahead of February’s NBA trade deadline.
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Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis is a player who has been frequently linked to the Lakers. Ellis has been in and out of the Kings rotation this season but is highly regarded by other teams.
Ellis averaged 5.7 points and 1.4 rebounds per game this season and shot 35.9% from three-point range. He’s a nasty defensive player who shot 41.6 percent from three in his career. Evan Sidry of Forbes says the Lakers recently inquired about Ellis’ situation
“The Lakers recently had conversations with the Kings regarding Keon Ellis,” Sidry said. “Sacramento is looking for at least a first-round pick for Ellis, who is considered a well-above-average three-point back.”
More:Should the Lakers keep Jake Laravia in the starting lineup?
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Ellis is in his fourth NBA season in Sacramento. He made 28 starts for the Kings last season, but his role has decreased this year. He has only appeared in eight games so far, playing more than 25 minutes.
Sidri said the Lakers are willing to include Dalton Kneccht in a potential trade for Ellis. Knecht has yet to find a consistent role with the Lakers in his second season, most recently spending time with the team’s G-League affiliate.
“Los Angeles is willing to bring in Dalton Knecht, but they currently only have one tradable pick in 2031.”
Ellis will be a strong backup for the Lakers, who can use more shooting and defense to make a playoff push in the highly competitive Western Conference.
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Los Angeles (23-11) has won four of its last five games after losing three straight last month. The Lakers are ranked third in the Western Conference, 5.5 games away from first place.
