The Los Angeles Lakers could get Keon Ellis and Devin Carter from the Kings for virtually free if they can convince Sacramento that Dalton Knecht jump-starts their rebuild. Ellis is an elite defender and career 43.1 percent 3-point shooter, but is struggling to get minutes. Carter was a lottery pick in 2024 that the Kings talked about dumping in the offseason (subscription required). One team's castoffs could quickly turn into gold for the Lakers.
LA is 17th in defensive rating, but has their eyes set on title contention. They hope LeBron James can offer a boost.