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.