Los Angeles Lakers are keeping a close eye on the trade market as they move forward with the season, focusing on adding a “3-and-D” player without hurting their long-term plans.
According to league sources cited by Marc Stein of _The Stein Line_, the Lakers want to find such a player during this trade season. One of the few names drawing interest is Sacramento Kings’ Keon Ellis, although his role has shrunk. Ellis is playing 7 fewer minutes per game this season under coach Doug Christie compared to last year.
Another possible target, Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans, appears out of reach for the Lakers, as Pelicans are believed to be asking for a significant return in any deal.
The Los Angeles team, sitting 4th in the Western Conference with an 18-7 record, is showing patience in approaching the trade market. Their preference is to add players fitting the age timeline of the team’s core, built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Keon Ellis, 25, has seen his minutes drop from 24.4 last year to 17 this season, scoring 5.3 points per game.
Herb Jones is under a 3-year, $68 million contract with a clause allowing him to be traded after Jan. 14. Lakers would need to offer a solid package, possibly including Maxi Kleber and a 2031 first-round draft pick, but sources indicate Pelicans aren’t interested in such a deal. Lakers focus on adding players complementing their young core without compromising the franchise’s future, building around Luka Doncic and LeBron James while ensuring long-term flexibility.
