If there’s one area that continues to nag at the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s their perimeter defense. Even with a solid start to the season and the presence of defensive-minded players like Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt, the Lakers still haven’t solved the problem that’s haunted them for multiple years now: keeping up with quick, athletic guards on the outside. And in today’s NBA, where spacing and speed are everything, that’s a problem that can’t be ignored.
To their credit, the Lakers’ front office knows it. They’ve been active behind the scenes, scouring the trade market in search of a defensive wing who can help shore up that vulnerability.
One name that’s emerged as a top target? Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans - one of the league’s premier 3-and-D wings and a First Team All-Defense selection in 2024.
Jones isn’t just a solid defender - he’s the kind of player who can change the tone of a game with his versatility, athleticism, and ability to guard multiple positions. And on the offensive end, he’s no slouch either, shooting north of 36% from three-point range over his career. That combination of elite defense and reliable shooting makes him an ideal fit for a Lakers team that already features high-usage stars like LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic.
According to league sources, the Lakers are keeping a close eye on Jones and have him on their trade radar. It’s not hard to see why. He fits the mold of the kind of role player new head coach JJ Redick has emphasized - someone who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact, but who can elevate the team’s ceiling by doing the little things at a high level.
But here’s the catch: the Pelicans don’t seem eager to let him go. Despite their struggles in the standings, New Orleans reportedly has no plans to move Jones at this time. And even if they were to entertain offers, there’s skepticism around the league that the Lakers have the kind of assets that would entice the Pelicans to make a deal.
It’s also worth noting that the Pelicans already traded away their 2026 first-round pick, which means they don’t have much incentive to tank or sell off key contributors like Jones in hopes of landing a better draft position. That complicates things for the Lakers, who are clearly interested but may not have the leverage or trade capital to make something happen.
Still, the interest from L.A. speaks volumes. The Lakers are in win-now mode, and they know that to compete deep into the postseason, they’ll need more than just star power - they’ll need defensive depth on the wing, especially when the playoffs slow down and every possession becomes a grind.
Herb Jones checks a lot of boxes. He’s young, he’s battle-tested, and he plays the kind of defense that travels in any arena. Whether or not the Lakers can pry him away from New Orleans remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: they’re looking for someone just like him - and that search isn’t going away anytime soon.