DONE DEAL: Lakers Sign Long-Term Contract with Sacramento Kings’ Top Scorer to Fire Up the Race to Their 18th Title
January 22, 2025
In a blockbuster move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed a long-term contract with Sacramento Kings’ star guard De’Aaron Fox, the team’s top scorer and one of the most dynamic young talents in the league. The deal is expected to be a game-changer for the Lakers as they continue their quest for an 18th NBA title, bringing in a player capable of igniting their offense and providing leadership as they look to build on their recent success.
The signing comes at a crucial point in the Lakers’ season as they look to fortify their roster and make a serious run for the championship. With LeBron James in the twilight of his career and Anthony Davis still trying to shake off injury woes, the Lakers were in need of a fresh spark—and Fox, known for his blazing speed, playmaking, and scoring ability, could be the catalyst they need to get over the hump.
De’Aaron Fox’s Impact on the Lakers
Fox, who has been the cornerstone of the Kings’ resurgence in recent years, brings a new dimension to the Lakers’ backcourt. Averaging 25.4 points and 7.2 assists per game this season, Fox has become one of the premier point guards in the NBA. His ability to push the pace, create for others, and score in bunches made him the perfect fit for a Lakers team looking to upgrade their perimeter play and inject some youthful energy.
“I’m incredibly excited to join such a storied franchise,” Fox said in a statement following the announcement. “The Lakers are a team with championship pedigree, and I’m honored to be part of that legacy. I know there’s a lot of work to be done, but I’m ready to give everything I have to help bring another title to L.A. It’s a dream come true to play alongside some of the greatest players in the game.”
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham, who has been vocal about his desire to add more talent to the team’s backcourt, expressed his enthusiasm about adding Fox to the roster.
“De’Aaron brings a lot to the table—his speed, his playmaking, and his ability to score in transition will elevate our offense,” said Ham. “We’re getting a young, hungry player who’s ready to contribute to a championship team, and that’s exactly what we need to push toward our 18th title.”
The Contract and Financial Details
While the exact financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed, sources confirm that the deal is a substantial, multi-year agreement, reflecting Fox’s status as one of the league’s top young talents. With the Lakers’ front office aggressively pursuing a star to help contend in the competitive Western Conference, they were willing to invest heavily in Fox’s future.
The deal also includes performance incentives, tying Fox’s earnings to playoff success and individual achievements, ensuring that both the player and team are aligned in their championship aspirations.
Sacramento Kings’ Reaction
The news of Fox’s departure has shaken the Sacramento Kings, where he has been a central figure since being drafted in 2017. Fox was instrumental in the Kings’ playoff push last season and was a key part of their offensive engine. While the Kings’ front office expressed understanding of the player’s desire to chase a title, they are now faced with the challenge of filling the void left by their top scorer.
“De’Aaron has been an incredible player for this organization, and we wish him nothing but the best in his pursuit of a championship,” said Kings General Manager Monte McNair. “We understand the opportunity he’s been presented with, and we’ll now look to retool our roster and continue building toward our own goals.”
Lakers’ Title Aspirations
The Lakers have been one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, with 17 championships to their name, tied for the most in league history with the Boston Celtics. However, the team has faced challenges in recent years, with injuries to key players and inconsistent play affecting their title hopes. Adding a young star like Fox to the mix—along with LeBron James and Anthony Davis—could make the Lakers one of the most dangerous teams in the league once again.
With Fox now in the fold, the Lakers’ chances at a deep playoff run this year have greatly improved. His ability to take pressure off LeBron and Davis, while adding a new dimension to their offense, could help the Lakers make another serious push for the NBA Finals.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
As the Lakers continue to integrate Fox into their system, fans are already buzzing about the potential chemistry between him, LeBron, and Davis. Fox’s speed and ball-handling ability will give the Lakers an edge in fast-break situations, while his scoring will provide a necessary complement to the more traditional styles of play seen in the past with LeBron and Davis.
The Lakers’ front office is expected to make a few more moves in the coming weeks to round out the roster, but for now, the addition of De’Aaron Fox has already sent a clear message: the Lakers are fully committed to winning that elusive 18th championship.
With Fox on board, the stage is set for an exciting second half of the season in Los Angeles. Fans are already counting down the days until they see the new-look Lakers take the floor with their new star in tow. The race to title number 18 has officially begun.
