The Los Angeles Lakers hold a very solid 18-13 record which is good for 5th in the Western Conference but at any moment during the season, the team will show the inconsistencies that have prevented them from reaching a championship level since their 2019-20 triumph. Anthony Davis and LeBron James have been perennial superstars all season long and Austin Reaves has performed admirably, but it might not be enough to win it all.
The Lakers made a smart move to swap guard D’Angelo Russell (and Maxwell Lewis with draft assets) for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton this morning to improve their two-way depth on the perimeter. While Rob Pelinika deserves credit for making a move, there is more that needs to be done, particularly when it comes to star power.
The Western Conference is stacked with title contenders including the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks, with steep competition coming from the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets as well. For the Lakers to take that next step, they will need to target a third superstar player and the name that has to be mentioned is De’Aaron Fox.
Fox has not been able to guide the Sacramento Kings to a solid season as the team sits six games below .500 with a 13-19 record, and head coach Mike Brown was surprisingly dismissed this week. It looks like it is too late for the team to get back on the right track which is why their players are currently being monitored on the trade market, particularly Fox who is their hottest commodity. The Lakers will certainly be interested in Fox’s services, and we have a proposed trade package that could make a deal happen and how it plays out for all parties involved.
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: De’Aaron Fox
Sacramento Kings Receive: Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
Update: The original trade piece included D’Angelo Russell in the package for De’Aaron Fox but following the point guard’s move to Brooklyn in the Dorian Finney-Smith trade, it has been updated to include Rui Hachimura instead. The deal for Fox will still be possible but it would have to include the Kings willing to acquire another forward to pair alongside Keegan Murray.
Los Angeles Lakers Create A Big 3 That Can Win A Championship
Adding De’Aaron Fox to the mix gives the Lakers one of the most balanced Big Threes in the NBA. Fox’s explosiveness and ability to attack the rim alleviate the offensive burden on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The dynamic point guard, who can push the pace and elevate the offense to another level, is averaging an impressive 26.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game this season while shooting 48.1% from the field.
His speed and scoring ability make him a perfect complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LeBron James, who is still putting up 23.5 points, 9.0 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game, would benefit greatly from Fox’s ability to break down defenses and create easy opportunities.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, averaging 26.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks, would thrive with the added space Fox provides. This trio, blending veteran savvy with Fox’s speed, gives the Lakers the versatility needed to dominate opponents in the playoffs.
Beyond just talent, the Lakers address a critical need with this move: durability. While LeBron and AD have both dealt with injuries in recent years, Fox’s youth and durability offer some insurance. His ability to take over games on both ends ensures the Lakers stay competitive even if one of their stars has to miss time. With Fox in the fold, the Lakers not only secure a title-contending roster but also lay the groundwork for sustained success as they transition into the post-LeBron era.
Sacramento Kings Begin The Rebuild Around Keegan Murray
Sacramento’s disappointing season makes this trade a logical step toward a fresh start. By moving De’Aaron Fox, the Kings hand the reins to Keegan Murray, who has shown flashes of becoming a franchise cornerstone. Murray’s ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions fits the mold of a modern NBA star, and with the increased opportunity, he could blossom into a consistent All-Star.
Adding Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves provides the Kings with experienced, skilled players who can contribute immediately. Hachimura, averaging 12.5 points and 5.4 rebounds, still brings scoring and a presence down low, while Reaves, who has posted a career-high 17.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds this season, offers versatility and grit.
The Kings will also be very interested in 23-year-old Dalton Knecht, one of the contenders for Rookie of the Year who is averaging 10.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game on 36.7% from three. The youngster has the potential to be an excellent franchise cornerstone for the Kings and will certainly sweeten the deal. Cam Reddish will also be a player the Kings could keep for the bench since he is 25 years old, or he could walk in free agency after this season.
Together, they give Sacramento a strong foundation to remain competitive in the short term while building for the future. It will also be interesting to see the Kings pair Hachimura with Murray for a talented and versatile frontcourt pairing with Reaves and Knecht, continuing his growth to potential All-Star status.
The inclusion of two first-round picks (2029 and 2031) is crucial for Sacramento’s long-term strategy. These picks could be used to acquire young talent through the draft or as trade assets to land another star. Pairing these future assets with Murray’s development ensures that the Kings have a clear pathway to building a contending team in the years to come. While losing Fox is a tough pill to swallow, this trade sets Sacramento on a path to sustainable success.
A Monster Deal That Can Realistically Happen Before The Trade Deadline
No doubt, for the Lakers, the trade provides the chance to solidify their roster for a championship push. By pairing Fox with LeBron and AD, the team forms a Big Three capable of matching up with any contender in the West.
The added firepower also addresses the Lakers’ struggles with consistency, ensuring they have another closer in tight games. Fox’s age and energy bring a youthful edge to a veteran squad, and his playoff experience with the Kings last season highlights his ability to perform under pressure.
For the Kings, moving Fox signals a shift toward a rebuild. Keegan Murray, their budding star, becomes the centerpiece of their future. Murray, who is averaging 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds this season, can take on a larger role alongside Reaves, Hachimura, and Knecht, three versatile players who fit the team’s timeline.
The additional draft picks provide Sacramento with the assets needed to build a competitive team for the future, setting a clear direction for their next phase. By giving up Fox, they could do a lot worse than beginning three new cornerstone pieces while also having Domantas Sabonis occupying the center position. What the Kings decide to do with Sabonis will remain to be seen, but their team won’t look too bad.
This deal won’t be easy to get over the line but that doesn’t mean it is impossible and could be done before the February trade deadline. The Kings are in a freefall and following the firing of Mike Brown, the franchise is on unsteady terms. A superstar of Fox’s level won’t be able to remain happy on a struggling team, and the potential to join James and Davis might be too hard to ignore.
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