NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers' Potential Defensive Target Keon Ellis’ Swap Value Revealed by Kings

The LA Lakers have been rumored to be eyeing a defensive player to help with their defensive woes. While the Lakers have been elite offensively, they have consistently ranked in the bottom 10 defensively.

Coming into Friday, LA is No. 6 (118.8) in offensive rating and No. 22 (117.1) in defensive rating. The Lakers' defensive problems were magnified over the last three weeks, as they ranked 29th (122.4) in that span.

According to The Athletic's Dan Woike on Friday, the Lakers are among the several teams looking for a defensive upgrade. One of the team's possible targets could be Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis. Woike said that the Kings could demand a first-round pick for Ellis, who is on an expiring $2.3 million deal.

"Sacramento’s Keon Ellis, another player coveted by teams looking for on-ball defensive help, could certainly be traded by the deadline as he enters free agency this summer," Woike wrote. "League sources believe the current price tag on Ellis is a protected first-round pick."

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Per Woike, league sources have regarded Ellis as a possible difference-maker on the defensive end. Despite concerns about his ability to defend bigger perimeter players, the 6-foot-4 guard could be a pest and create turnovers for the team.

"He's maybe the most divisive player in the league," one league source said about Ellis, per Woike.

In addition, should Ellis become available, LA will not be alone, as many teams are looking for a defensive-minded player.

NBA insider reveals other targets the Lakers could pursue

In the same article on Friday, The Athletic's Dan Woike said the LA Lakers' priority at the trade deadline would be to acquire a perimeter defender. Adding a defensive player would free up Austin Reaves from that assignment, which could benefit the Lakers more on the other end.

Among the possible targets that Woike mentioned are Miami Heat star Andrew Wiggins and LA Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. Both players have the length that could disrupt opposing offenses. Other players rumored recently were New Orleans Pelicans' Herbert Jones, Brooklyn Nets' Terrance Mann and Charlotte Hornets' Josh Green.

Woike noted that putting up an attractive package for its targets might be difficult for LA. While the team could offer a combination of picks (one first and one second), there is a "league-wide lack of interest" in the Lakers' other assets.

Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos