The Los Angeles Lakers spent much of the offseason swirling in rumors about a potential trade for Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, a versatile two-way wing who could bolster their roster around LeBron James and Luka Dončić. However, with the Heat setting a steep asking price and the Lakers hesitant to part with their limited trade assets, the franchise appears to be pivoting toward an unexpected and intriguing backup plan: targeting New Orleans Pelicans’ young 3-and-D stars, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. This shift could redefine the Lakers’ trajectory as they aim to climb the Western Conference hierarchy.
A Reactive Approach to the Trade Market
According to Jovan Buha of the Buha’s Block podcast, the Lakers are adopting a cautious, reactive stance in the trade market, waiting for the right opportunity to strike. “I think they tend to be more reactive than proactive with trades,” Buha noted. “One of the benefits could be looking at different situations across the league. Like, does New Orleans get off to a slow start and now all of a sudden, maybe, a Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III is potentially available?”
The Lakers’ reluctance to act aggressively stems from their constrained trade resources. After years of roster overhauls, Los Angeles has just one tradable first-round pick (2031 or 2032) and a 2032 second-rounder. With LeBron James in his 23rd season and Luka Dončić emerging as the franchise’s cornerstone, the Lakers are under pressure to add a high-impact wing who can elevate them into the Western Conference’s elite. While Wiggins was a prime target, the cost of acquiring him has proven prohibitive, prompting the Lakers to explore alternatives like Murphy and Jones.
Trey Murphy III: A Rising Star with a Hefty Price Tag
At 25, Trey Murphy III is one of the NBA’s most promising 3-and-D wings, making him an ideal fit for the Lakers’ needs. Coming off a breakout 2024 season, Murphy averaged 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting an impressive 38.3% from three-point range. His combination of length, athleticism, and defensive versatility has cemented his status as a coveted asset.
However, acquiring Murphy would come at a steep cost. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Pelicans have set an “exceptionally high asking price” for Murphy, demanding multiple first-round picks and proven young talent. Additionally, Murphy’s four-year, $113 million contract extension signed in 2024 signals New Orleans’ commitment to him as a long-term piece. Jake Fischer of The Stein Line further emphasized the Pelicans’ stance, noting that they have “batted away calls” for Murphy, underscoring his value to the franchise.
Despite the challenges, Murphy’s skill set aligns perfectly with the Lakers’ vision. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions would complement Dončić’s playmaking and James’ versatility, potentially forming a dynamic trio capable of challenging the West’s top teams.
Herb Jones: The Cost-Efficient Defensive Stopper
If prying Murphy from New Orleans proves too costly, Herb Jones could emerge as a more attainable yet equally impactful target. At 26, Jones is coming off a standout 2023-24 season, where he averaged 11.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and nearly a block per game while shooting a career-best 41.8% from three. His elite perimeter defense earned him recognition as a top-5 Defensive Player of the Year candidate before a shoulder injury sidelined him in February.
Jones’ three-year, $67.6 million extension, signed last summer, makes him one of the NBA’s most cost-efficient contracts, adding to his appeal. Fischer reported in July that the Pelicans view Jones as nearly untouchable, but a slow start to their season could open the door for negotiations. While Jones’ price tag would likely be lower than Murphy’s, his defensive prowess and improving offensive game make him a valuable addition for a Lakers team seeking balance.
The Path to Contention
With Dončić leading the offense and James still performing at an elite level, the Lakers remain a dangerous playoff contender. However, Buha projects them as no higher than the fourth seed in the Western Conference, setting up a potential second-round clash with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. To compete with OKC’s depth and athleticism, the Lakers need a two-way wing who can guard elite scorers and contribute offensively.
Buha believes the right acquisition could tip the scales. “I think they do have a real shot to beat OKC with the right move,” he said. “If it’s a Herb Jones, all right, I think they have a real shot and maybe I’d pick them to beat OKC. If it’s a Wiggins, I think they have a better shot, but maybe they’re not quite there. So I think it really depends on who they get.”
Murphy or Jones could provide the defensive tenacity and shooting the Lakers need to match up with teams like the Thunder. While Wiggins remains a viable option, his fit and cost make the younger, more affordable Pelicans duo an enticing alternative.
A Strategic Shift for the Dončić Era
As the Lakers navigate the early stages of the Dončić era alongside the twilight of LeBron’s career, their pursuit of a high-level wing is both urgent and strategic. The pivot from Wiggins to Murphy or Jones reflects a willingness to adapt and capitalize on market opportunities. While the Pelicans’ high asking prices present a challenge, a slow start in New Orleans could create a window for the Lakers to strike.
The choice between Murphy’s offensive upside and Jones’ defensive dominance will depend on the Lakers’ priorities and available assets. Either way, this astonishing backup plan signals a bold vision for the franchise’s future, one that could solidify their status as Western Conference contenders in 2025 and beyond.