The Kings have had a very mediocre past few seasons, and there doesn’t seem to be a path to a playoff return with their current core. Guys like LaVine, DeRozan, and Sabonis aren’t getting any younger and they don’t have a great young core ready to step up. Unfortunately for a team whose recent history is plagued with playoff drought, it may be time to return to the rebuild.

Why the Kings do this:

Sacramento clears the DeRozan contract in exchange for expiring deals, which will clear up some money in 2026 should they choose to go after a free agent. Other incoming assets include a young guy in need of a change of scenery in Knecht, along with two pick swaps from a Lakers group with an unpredictable future.

Why the Lakers do this:

This move signifies a low-risk, high-reward bet for Los Angeles. The best-case scenario is that DeRozan proves to be a successful addition and vaults the Lakers into contention now while the trio of Doncic, Reaves, and Ayton dominate the next half-decade, preventing the swaps from conveying. The worst-case scenario is that the swaps convey and the Lakers’ high picks turn into mediocre Kings picks plus an additional young guy with the 2026 second rounder and DeRozan will still be a short term upgrade. This is a gamble the Lakers should absolutely take.

Lakers Starting Lineup after this move:

Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, DeAndre Ayton

What do you think of this trade? Who accepts, who says no, and what would the result be for each team? Let me know in the comments and drop a like and flame. Thanks!