Lakers predicted to trade $18M misfit, first-round draft pick for Kings' $5M highly coveted prize

The Los Angeles Lakers are right in the thick of the Western Conference race. Young star Austin Reaves is on the cusp of returning, and the trade deadline is fast approaching. The Lakers are looking to build a contending team that satisfies LeBron James.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

The Lakers have been pursuing Keon Ellis, who is emerging as a major target as the February deadline approaches. Los Angeles could offer Dalton Knecht and a first-round pick in a potential deal.

“If the Kings are prioritizing youth and upside in a trade for Ellis, however, there is a reasonable path to the Lakers acquiring him. Dalton Knecht and a future first-round pick would give the Kings an instant and long-term influx of promising talent. Though Knecht has struggled to secure playing time in 2025-26, he turned heads prior to the Luka Doncic trade in 2024-25,” Lake Show Life’s Maxwell Ogden wrote.

Knecht hasn’t been a regular in the rotation this season. His Summer League performance hinted at the struggles ahead. Head coach JJ Redick believes it was due to burnout.

“The guy did too much after the season. And I think in summer league, he was burnt out. He was coming in here at 5 AM, getting shots up, then doing two workouts with our summer league staff and in the weight room,” Redick said.

Ellis would be a solid upgrade for the Lakers, providing 3-and-D capabilities and much-needed help on the defensive end.

For Knecht, moving to the Kings could be just what he needs, as rookie Dylan Cardwell is thriving under veteran leadership. Ultimately, this trade has the potential to benefit both teams.