NBA Trades: Lakers mortgage their future to try and land De'Aaron Fox from the Kings.
Arguably the most spicy potential landing spot for De'Aaron Fox is the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers don't have nearly as many trade assets as the Spurs, Rockets, and Nets do, but they theoretically have enough to make at least a competitive offer to the Kings, although the Kings would probably hate to make a trade with an in-state rival.
If the Lakers include all their tradeable first-round picks for Fox, then it should at least make them consider an offer from Los Angeles. The Lakers can offer Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Dalton Knecht, and their 2029 and 2031 unprotected first-round picks, as well a 2028 first-round pick swap. Depending on how the Kings view those picks, that is actually an intriguing offer.
After all, with LeBron James starring in possibly his final season and Anthony Davis in his early 30s, the 2029 and 2031 firsts may look more appealing since they could very well end up being lottery picks. If that is the case, then why would the Lakers be willing to give them up?
Well, the Western Conference is still up for grabs, with teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets not looking like the same teams that they were last season. Going all in by adding Fox to pair with LeBron and Davis might give them one last shot to compete for a championship. Even if it is their last season with LeBron, having Fox would allow for Los Angeles to seamlessly transition to a new era post-LeBron with Fox and Davis as their two best players.
Adding Fox would allow them to move on from Vincent, who hasn't lived up to the $40 million contract he signed in the summer of 2023. Turning him, in addition to 2023 first-round selection Hood-Schifino, into a major upgrade at point guard would be huge for Los Angeles.
With LeBron having his worst statistical season since his rookie year, 21 years ago, the Lakers will need a third offensive option to help to shoulder the offensive load. Considering that Fox is having a career year, averaging 27 points and 5.5 assists per game, and LeBron's age, Fox could be the Lakers' first or second option. That would give them further incentive to try and make a deal.
Hachimura is a useful player, but the Lakers need an offensive upgrade. On the other hand, Sacramento moving their starting point guard would make them worse and probably put them back in the draft lottery, which may not be such a bad thing. Vincent and Hood-Schifino likely don't provide much in terms of on-court value, but the Kings would be compensated by receiving two unprotected first-rounders, Knecht and a pick swap.
No matter how you slice it, they will be taking a clear step back by making this trade, but they would potentially be able to flip some of the assets received from the deal to make another big move and try to reconfigure their roster around Sabonis. Ultimately, it comes down to whether the Kings would play ball.