The Los Angeles Lakers have had their eyes on Sacramento Kings wing Keon Ellis for the greater part of this early season, and the scrappy, defensive guard’s price may have just risen. 

As Keegan Murray was diagnosed with a right calf strain that is set to keep him out for at least a week, Ellis returned to the starting lineup for just the second time this season and led the Kings to a 113-107 win over the surging Dallas Mavericks. 

Ellis erupted for 21 points on 8-of-15 from the field and 5-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc. The output is Ellis’ highest scoring mark of the season. He added three steals and two blocks to his stat line en route to the victory. 

The fourth-year wing had largely been in and out of Sacramento’s rotation going into his second start since late October. Many speculated why a player of his defensive prowess had been absent from the Kings’ rotation given A) where they sit in the conference standings and B) how much interest he’s generated on the trade market. 

“He played a really, really good ball game,” Sacramento coach Doug Christie said postgame. “He was big for us. Got us started out on the right foot.”

Ellis played 32 minutes against Dallas after averaging just 16.5 in 28 games prior. 

Lakers’ reported interest in Ellis

Clutch Points NBA Insider Brett Siegel chronicled Los Angeles’ interest in Ellis along with other two-way talents on the market:

Herb Jones is another player high atop the Lakers‘ trade wish list, especially ahead of this year’s trade deadline. The Lakers have already held conversations with the Pelicans about Jones’ availability, but they, too, aren’t actively looking to move their defensive-minded wing. Jones’ asking price remains very high, and he appears to be out of the Lakers’ price range in terms of assets.

The market for athletic, defensive-minded players is extremely slim this year, leaving the Lakers with little to no options to immediately improve their title outlook this year. Sacramento Kings guard/wing Keon Ellis is the only other name that comes to mind, and league personnel have linked the Lakers to him in recent weeks.

Los Angeles desperately needs defensive reinforcements, and Ellis, along with his contract, is one of the few ideal candidates to target ahead of this season’s trade deadline.Â