Lakers Should Trade For Kings' Keon Ellis

Merlin sees a warning beneath the Lakers’ 15-5 record: their net rating sits just 13th and defense ranks 18th. With the need for a defensive wing who can also space the floor, Los Angeles is eying Sacramento guard Keon Ellis — a "plug-and-play stopper" who is shooting 42.8% for his career from three but is strangely down to 16.6 minutes and reportedly drawing "many teams" interest. Merlin whispers that Ellis would slot neatly next to LeBron and Reaves, supplying on-ball defense, speed and corner shooting the Lakers lack. Sacramento’s reduced role for him makes a deal plausible and affordable, but chemistry and the Kings’ asking price remain wild cards. The front office must decide if a small move can fix a big worry.