The Los Angeles Lakers have their eyes on a defensive upgrade-and they’re not being subtle about it. According to league sources, the front office is actively exploring the trade market for a versatile, high-level wing defender.
And at the top of their wish list? New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones.
Jones isn’t just a solid defender-he’s one of the premier perimeter stoppers in the league. A 2023-24 All-Defensive First Team selection, the 27-year-old has built a reputation as a relentless on-ball presence with the kind of instincts and versatility that coaches dream about.
He’s long, disciplined, and doesn’t shy away from guarding the opposing team’s best scorer. In short, he’s exactly the kind of player the Lakers could use right now.
While the Lakers are sitting at a strong 18-7, good for third place in the Western Conference, there’s a clear area for improvement: defense. They currently rank 17th in points allowed and 20th in defensive rating-numbers that just don’t cut it for a team with championship aspirations. With the postseason looming a few months down the road, the front office knows it can’t afford to stand pat if it wants to make a deep run.
That’s where Jones comes in. Through 19 games this season, he’s averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 39.5% from the field, 33.8% from three, and 80% from the free-throw line.
Offensively, he’s not going to carry a team-but that’s not what the Lakers would be asking of him. His value lies in his ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and make life miserable for elite scorers.
He’s a classic 3-and-D archetype with a defensive motor that doesn’t quit.
But there’s a catch: the Pelicans aren’t exactly eager to move him. Despite sitting at a dismal 5-22-the worst record in the Western Conference-New Orleans isn’t looking to part ways with one of its few bright spots. Sources say they’re not actively shopping Jones, but if the Lakers come to the table with a significant offer, the Pelicans could be persuaded to listen.
Jones was a second-round steal in the 2021 NBA Draft, taken 35th overall. Since then, he’s carved out a niche as one of the most reliable two-way wings in the league. His career averages-10.1 points, 3.8 boards, 2.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game-don’t leap off the page, but they reflect a player who consistently impacts the game on both ends.
For the Lakers, this isn’t just about adding another rotation piece. It’s about shoring up a defense that has shown cracks and bringing in a player who can help them match up with the elite wings they’ll face in the playoffs. Whether it’s slowing down a Luka Doncic, a Devin Booker, or a Jamal Murray, having a defender like Jones in the lineup could be the difference between a second-round exit and a trip to the Finals.
Of course, any deal would come at a cost. The Lakers would likely need to part with draft capital and possibly a young player or two to make the numbers work and entice the Pelicans. But if they’re serious about contending in 2026, adding a defensive ace like Herb Jones might be the kind of move that pushes them over the top.
The ball’s in the Lakers’ court now. If they’re willing to pay the price, they might just land the defensive wing they’ve been searching for.