Lakers Should Pounce on Keon Ellis Trade

The trade window opens and the Lakers are eager but short on chips. They want more spacing and perimeter defense, yet key targets like Herb Jones are "presumed to be beyond the Lakers' current trade means," so Los Angeles must hunt cheaper help. Keon Ellis emerges as a realistic target: a proven defender whose minutes and numbers have dipped and who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. Merlin sees a classic low cost high reward play. Ellis has career shooting splits that suggest he can rebound with a steadier role, and the Lakers can offer cleaner looks and a defensive fit around their scorers. A modest move for a role player could ripple into a bigger playoff picture if the fit clicks.