The Lakers are back in the trade rumor mill, and this time, it’s about a position they've been chasing for what feels like forever: a true 3-and-D wing. Athleticism on the perimeter, defensive versatility, and reliable outside shooting - it’s the holy grail of modern NBA roster building, and the Lakers are reportedly eyeing one of the league’s best in that category: Herb Jones.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Lakers have reached out to the New Orleans Pelicans to gauge the availability of Jones. That’s not surprising.
Jones has quietly built a reputation as one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league. He brings length, lateral quickness, and a defensive IQ that makes life miserable for opposing wings.
Add in his improving three-point shot, and you’ve got the prototype of what every contender covets.
But here’s the catch - and it’s a big one. The Pelicans know exactly what they have in Jones, and they’re not in any rush to move him.
At just 27 years old, he’s under contract through 2028-29 with a player option for the following season. That kind of team control on a player of his caliber is rare, and it gives New Orleans all the leverage in any trade discussions.
Marc Stein echoed that sentiment, noting that while the Lakers have interest, the asking price for Jones is well beyond what L.A. can reasonably offer midseason. The Pelicans would demand a significant return - and rightfully so.
This isn’t a team desperate to shake things up. They’re not dangling Jones or Trey Murphy III, and they don’t have a ticking clock forcing them to make a move.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are in a familiar spot. They’ve got some assets, but not enough to make a splash for a player like Jones unless they’re willing to gut what little future flexibility they have.
And even then, it might not be enough. The Pelicans can afford to be patient, especially with no first-round pick of their own this season.
If they decide to move Jones, it’ll likely be in the offseason when more teams can get involved and the bidding war heats up.
Could things change? Absolutely.
The trade deadline always brings surprises, and the Lakers have shown in the past they’re capable of pulling off deals when the pressure’s on. But in this case, don’t expect New Orleans to blink.
Unless someone - and it probably won’t be the Lakers - comes in with a blockbuster offer, Herb Jones isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
For now, it’s a reminder of how tough it is to find elite wings in today’s NBA - and how much it costs to get one when you do.