The Los Angeles Lakers have been eyeing a defensive upgrade on the wing, and Herb Jones was at the top of their wishlist. But according to Marc Stein, the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t looking to move Jones-or Trey Murphy III-despite their rough start to the season. That’s a blow to the Lakers, who are searching for exactly what Jones brings: a versatile 6’7” defender who can guard across positions and bring some grit to their perimeter defense.
Let’s be honest-point-of-attack defense has been a weak spot for L.A. this season. They’ve got offensive firepower, but when it comes to slowing down elite guards and wings, they’re often scrambling.
Jones, a 2024 First-Team All-Defense selection, would’ve been a perfect fit. He’s one of the rare wings in the league who can credibly switch one through five, and while he’s not a high-volume shooter, his 38.7% career mark from the corners makes him a sneaky-good fit next to a playmaker like Luka Doncic, who thrives at generating those looks.
But here’s the catch: the Pelicans, despite sitting at 12-36 and well outside the Play-In picture, aren’t ready to tear it all down. Even though they don’t control their own 2026 first-round pick, New Orleans seems committed to keeping its core intact-at least for now.
That includes Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III, two young wings who’d command serious value on the open market. If they ever decided to pivot toward a rebuild around younger prospects like Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, those two would headline any trade package.
But for now, Joe Dumars and the Pelicans front office aren’t biting.
That puts the Lakers in a tough spot. Their trade assets are limited-at best, they can offer one first-round pick and a package centered around young players like Dalton Knecht or Adou Thiero. It’s not a bad offer, but it’s probably not enough to pry away a player like Jones, especially if the Pelicans aren’t actively shopping him.
And let’s not overlook the urgency in L.A. The Lakers are trying to build a roster that can contend now, not two or three years down the line.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are in their primes, and while LeBron James is still defying time at 41, the window to win with him is narrowing. Deandre Ayton hasn’t cemented himself as the long-term answer at center, and the Lakers still need more shooting and defensive depth on the wings.
That’s why Jones was such an appealing target-he checks so many of those boxes.
The frustration among Lakers fans is understandable. Jones isn’t just a short-term fix; he’s a long-term fit next to Doncic, someone who could help anchor the defense while spacing the floor just enough to stay on the court in big playoff moments.
The idea of “buying low” on a player like that, especially during a down year for his team, was enticing. But if New Orleans is holding firm, there’s not much L.A. can do-at least not with the assets they currently have.
With the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, the pressure is on Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office to find another path forward. This team has the top-end talent to make noise in the playoffs, but the supporting cast still needs work. Whether it’s another wing defender, a knockdown shooter, or a more reliable big, the Lakers can’t afford to stand pat.
Herb Jones may be off the table for now, but the mission hasn’t changed: find the right pieces to round out this roster and give this core a real shot at a title. The clock is ticking.