The Los Angeles Lakers are hitting a rough patch defensively, and it’s no secret that help on that end of the floor is a top priority heading into the new year. As the team continues to slide through December, one name keeps surfacing in trade chatter: Herbert Jones.
The New Orleans Pelicans wing has become a focal point of the Lakers’ reported trade discussions, and for good reason. Jones is one of the league’s most versatile perimeter defenders - the kind of player who can take on top assignments nightly and bring a level of intensity this Lakers group has sorely lacked. According to recent reports, the Lakers and Pelicans are “aggressively” engaged in trade talks centered around the 25-year-old defender.
Let’s put this into context. The Lakers entered their Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets with a 4-5 record in December and a defensive rating of 123.6 during that stretch - the third-worst mark in the NBA. Pair that with a minus-8.1 net rating, also third-worst, and it’s clear the team’s early-season defensive identity has unraveled.
It’s not just the numbers - it’s the eye test too. The Lakers have struggled to contain penetration, rotate effectively, and close out on shooters.
That’s where a player like Jones could make a real impact. He’s averaging 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game - solid across the board - but it’s his defensive presence that’s especially valuable.
Despite playing a career-low 28.0 minutes per game, he remains one of the Pelicans’ most trusted stoppers.
So what might it take to pry him loose from New Orleans?
A potential deal could include second-year wing Dalton Knecht and veteran guard Gabe Vincent, whose expiring contract helps make the salaries work. Draft compensation would likely be part of the package as well. But even with those assets, it’s far from a sure thing.
Multiple reports suggest the Pelicans aren’t eager to move Jones. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne noted that New Orleans would only entertain the idea if the return is significant - and with good reason.
The Pelicans owe their first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks, so maintaining competitiveness matters. Jones, along with Trey Murphy, remains a core piece of what they’re building.
Dan Woike of The Athletic echoed that sentiment, reporting that the Lakers’ current offer may not be enough to sway the Pelicans. And even if a deal is agreed upon, Jones isn’t eligible to be traded until January, meaning any move would have to wait until after the calendar flips.
In the meantime, the Pelicans have been surging, winning five of their last six games. That only strengthens their position to hold onto Jones unless a truly compelling offer comes along.
For the Lakers, the urgency is clear. They’re a team with championship ambitions, but right now, their defense isn’t close to title-caliber.
If they want to turn things around, especially in the loaded Western Conference, adding a player like Herbert Jones - or someone in that mold - might not just be a luxury. It could be a necessity.