Despite sitting at second in the West with a 17-6 record, the Lakers are still hungry to improve. Reports have linked them to several 3-and-D targets, with one young guard recently gaining steam.
Lakers Tied to West Rival’s Underrated Defender
Sam Amick: Could Lakers Go After Keon Ellis?
While appearing on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back” on Tuesday, The Athletic’s Sam Amick noted the Lakers continue to look for 3-and-D players.
“I talked to somebody yesterday who said the Lakers are looking for a 3-and-D-type guy. Could it be Keon [Ellis], Herb Jones, or somebody like that?”
In his fourth season, the 26-year-old Ellis has averaged 5.2 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 40% from the field, 39% from three and 56% from the free-throw line. A year after putting up a career-best 8.3 points in 24.4 minutes per game, Ellis’ production has decreased in an average of 16.3 minutes of action, all while the Kings contemplate a fire sale at 13th in the West (6-18).
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Ellis has become a popular trade target for other teams.
“Well, look — their phones are already ringing for Keon Ellis. … And the Kings are going to have to decide: do we want to part with him — someone who you can probably construct a net-positive trade for between now and the deadline in February — or is that a player they want to keep for the future? I mean, the early messaging out of the 916 has been that Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford are off-limits, and they’re open to pretty much everything else.”
Ellis recently addressed these rumors on Dec. 6 following Sacramento’s win over the Miami Heat.
“I mean it’s part of the job. It’s kind of what you signed up for. It’s a business at the end of the day. Everyone knows that. So it is what it is. You can’t really do anything about it. So just don’t let it affect you.”
Ellis’ Skill Set Could Help Lakers’ Depth
A career 42% three-point shooter with lockdown instincts, Ellis could be a solid contributor as the Lakers look to continue their winning ways. The team currently ranks 17th in three-point percentage (35.8%) and 21st in defensive rating (116.2). With Ellis’ effort on both ends, he could be a valuable addition to LA’s guard rotation, particularly as a point-of-attack defender.
The team’s guard depth has been tested with notable absences throughout the year. Luka Doncic has missed six of the Lakers’ 23 games, while Austin Reaves has missed three. Bench wise, Gabe Vincent was out for 11 games due to an ankle sprain. Marcus Smart missed the last six due to back spasms but may be on track to return tonight against the Spurs. Ellis has shown remarkable availability in the last two seasons, playing 80 games last year and 23 of the Kings’ 24 this year.
Another benefit for the Lakers’ potential pursuit of Ellis? His $2.3 million expiring contract, which may be a bargain if LA gets him for a legitimate rotational role. With the Kings looking to be sellers at the February deadline, the Lakers could pounce on a solid opportunity.
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