The Lakers are still looking for another move, and a recent three-team trade idea would bring in a familiar name without asking Los Angeles to give up much at all.
In the proposal, the Lakers land Derrick Jones Jr., the Mavericks get Cameron Christie and Jarred Vanderbilt, and the Clippers take Daniel Gafford.
That kind of deal fits the reality of where the Lakers are right now. They have a solid roster, but not one that feels finished, and their limited assets make any upgrade harder than it looks. Even so, there’s room to improve if they target a player they’re willing to gamble on - someone dealing with injuries or a dip from his usual level.
Jones would fit that mold. He’s owed $10.4M in the final year of his deal, and Sai Mohan pointed out that “Jones, owed $10.4M in the final year of his deal, is not as good a three-point shooter as Washington, but is just as effective, if not a better wing defender. Furthermore, Jones has shown the ability to make big shots when counted upon, as he did during the Mavericks’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals,” Sai Mohan wrote.
He’s also already shown he can work well next to Luka Doncic. During his time with Doncic in Dallas before being traded, Jones proved he could be a useful piece in that kind of setup.
The one question in the deal is whether the Clippers would actually be interested in taking it. But if they are willing to move Jones, the Lakers would come away with a clear boost for very little outlay.
In Other News...
Clippers Just Sent A Clear Message About Their Frontcourt Concern
The Clippers have added another body to the middle, agreeing to a two-way contract with free agent center Jamarion Sharp, according to his agent Scott Nichols. Sharp went undrafted in 2024 and has spent most of his time in the G League, but he brings a profile the Clippers have clearly valued as they sort through their frontcourt depth.
Sharps calling card has been defense, and that is not a small thing for a team looking to stay organized around the rim. He was named the NBAGL Defensive Player of the Year after leading the league in blocks, and he also earned a spot on the G League All-Defensive team. For the Clippers, the move looks like a practical one as they wait for Yanic Konan Niederhauser to work back from foot procedures, even if the longer-term rotation picture still has some sorting out to do. [Read more 🡒]