The Los Angeles Lakers have received disappointing news regarding Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox, who is now available on the trade market, as reported by Shams Charania of ESPN on January 28, 2025. Fox is considered a game-changing player who could potentially elevate the Lakers, leading them to consider making a trade. However, Charania reported that Fox does not prefer to join the Lakers.
Charania stated on “NBA Today,” “One thing I can say, with Rich Paul, we know he’s got LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers. I’m told the Lakers are not part of that destination of choice for De’Aaron Fox potentially.” Sam Amick of The Athletic echoed the same sentiment, confirming that despite Rich Paul’s longstanding ties with the Lakers stars, Fox is not interested in joining the team.
Fox, who is currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $163 million deal with the Kings, will be eligible for a $229 million extension next summer. Reports indicate that Fox’s preferred destination is the San Antonio Spurs, a Western Conference rival of the Lakers.
The Lakers had an opportunity to draft Fox in 2017 but chose Lonzo Ball instead. Fox eventually landed with the Kings, where he has become an All-Star and an All-NBA player, earning the 2023 NBA Clutch Player of the Year award.
This isn’t the first time an NBA star has turned down the Lakers. Klay Thompson also rejected the Lakers’ offer during the offseason, despite LeBron James personally recruiting him, and Jimmy Butler did not list the Lakers as one of his preferred destinations either.
Despite the Lakers currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference, James and Davis have both expressed concerns about the team’s roster, emphasizing the need for more pieces to become true title contenders. James acknowledged after a loss to the Clippers that the team cannot afford many mistakes, while Davis mentioned they need one or two more key players, particularly a center, to make a run at the championship.
