The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as a potential landing spot for yet another star player—this time from a division rival—hours after that team made a major change at the helm.
Lakers Named Potential Suitors for Kings Star
LA Among Possible Destinations for De’Aaron Fox
Following the dismissal of Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown, there is concern over the statuses of key players. Chief among them is star point guard De’Aaron Fox, who has led the Kings since they drafted him fifth overall in 2017. While appearing on The Hoop Collective Podcast Friday, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon listed several teams as potential landing spots for the 27-year-old floor general if he asks for a trade.
“If Fox asks out, teams like San Antonio and Houston are the ones to watch. I’ve also heard rumors about the Lakers, but it’s hard to tell how much of that is just speculation because he’s a Klutch client. There’s also been talks about Miami, given his connection to Bam Adebayo.”
In 31 games, Fox has averaged 26.2 points, five rebounds and 6.1 assists on .482/.332/.810 splits. The 2023 All-Star and Comeback Player of the Year has been instrumental toward Sacramento’s success, being a driving force behind their first playoff appearance in 16 years. However, the Kings have struggled since then, currently staring at a 13-18 record and dealing with the aftermath of a stunning change on the sidelines.
De’Aaron Fox is a Dream Target for the Lakers
The connection between Fox and the Lakers comes one day after a key update by ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania: the Lakers are willing to give up their three tradable first-round picks for an immediate impact player who fits the current roster and can play up to five more seasons with them. Considering his resumé with Sacramento, Fox checks all of those boxes and more.
Fox is an athletic, shifty point guard who excels at both ends of the floor and is in the prime of his career at 27—appearing more than capable of thriving next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis (and potentially beyond in a post-LeBron era). As such, it’s no surprise some Laker fans are pushing for Fox to don the purple and gold instead of the purple and white.
Trade the damn house https://t.co/TOy3gLqeiT
— Sean Davis (@Sean_Davi) December 27, 2024
If the Lakers get De'Aaron Fox thats close to enough to make me a fan again https://t.co/MJk7Bpc9zh
— Joe Fazoots (@ohfazoots) December 27, 2024
As great as Fox could be on the Lakers, there are several obstacles preventing a deal from being made. The Kings would more than likely refuse to do business with a division rival. The Lakers—though they have the contracts to match Fox’s $34.8 million salary—may not have a package enticing enough for Kings GM Monte McNair. MacMahon is also right to point out that Fox-to-the-Lakers may be pure speculation because of the Klutch Sports connection. Finally, as some fans have pointed out, the Lakers could’ve already had Fox if they didn’t draft fellow point guard Lonzo Ball three spots earlier. These points, among others, make any Fox-to-LA rumors a pure pipe dream for the purple and gold.
While De’Aaron Fox would be a major upgrade for the Lakers, it may not be worth engaging in a negotiation battle the team would likely lose.
