In the high-stakes world of the NBA, where dynasties rise and fall on a single trade, the Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of pulling off a move that could redefine their championship aspirations. As the 2025-26 season heats up, whispers from inside the league suggest that GM Rob Pelinka is locked in on a blockbuster deal that no one saw coming: a desperate pursuit of New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones, the defensive juggernaut with a looming $67 million extension. This isn’t just a roster tweak—it’s a seismic shift that could catapult the Lakers from playoff hopefuls to outright contenders, or blow up their carefully balanced squad in spectacular fashion.
Let’s rewind to the start of the season. The Lakers kicked off the year without their king, LeBron James, sidelined for the first 14 games. But in a stunning twist, the duo of Luka Dončić—yes, the Slovenian sensation who shockingly joined the Purple and Gold in a offseason megadeal—and Austin Reaves stepped up big time. They kept the team afloat, securing a 12-4 record and a top-three spot in the Western Conference after 16 games. With LeBron back in the lineup, the Lakers look scarier than ever on paper. But according to one NBA scout, that’s not enough. The team’s defense is a glaring weakness, and Jones is the missing piece that could turn them into an unstoppable force.
Speaking exclusively to Lakers Daily, as reported by Ashish Mathur, the scout didn’t mince words: “Rob (Pelinka) should be calling New Orleans non-stop, trying to trade for Herb once he’s eligible to be moved.” Why the urgency? The Lakers’ perimeter defense is hanging by a thread. Their best option? A 31-year-old Marcus Smart, who’s not even starting. Jarred Vanderbilt brings the hustle, but his offensive limitations make him a playoff liability. “As currently constructed, the Lakers will get waxed by Denver, OKC, and Houston because they don’t have athletic defenders on the perimeter,” the scout warned. “They need a stout defender who can also hit 3s. Herb fits that bill perfectly, and New Orleans is open for business.”
Jones, the 27-year-old defensive maestro, has been a revelation for the Pelicans since being drafted in 2021. His ability to lock down elite scorers while knocking down open threes (shooting 37% from deep last season) makes him the ideal two-way wing. But here’s where it gets real: Jones is in the third year of a four-year, $53.8 million deal, with $28.8 million left on the books. Then comes the big one—an upcoming three-year extension worth $67,580,892, pushing his total value into superstar territory. For the Lakers, acquiring him means matching salaries and potentially parting ways with key assets. Could Dončić’s co-star Reaves be on the block? Or perhaps a package involving Vanderbilt, Smart, and draft picks? The scout’s advice is clear: whatever it takes, because without elite defense, the Lakers’ star-studded offense won’t survive the West’s gauntlet.
The numbers back up the scout’s concerns. Despite their hot start, the Lakers rank a middling 17th in points per game, 11th in points allowed, 13th in offensive rating, 14th in defensive rating, and 15th in net rating through 16 games. These aren’t the stats of a title contender—they’re the profile of a team that’s winning on talent alone but vulnerable to exploitation. Teams like the Nuggets, Thunder, and Rockets, with their athletic wings and suffocating defenses, would feast on LA’s perimeter in a seven-game series. Jones changes that equation. His All-Defensive Team caliber play could elevate the Lakers’ defensive rating into the top 10, creating a balanced powerhouse capable of matching up with anyone.
But this push isn’t without risks. The Pelicans, mired in their own rebuild after a disappointing start, are indeed “open for business,” but they’ll demand a king’s ransom. Letting go of young talent or veterans could disrupt the chemistry that’s carried the Lakers this far. And with LeBron’s window closing—he’s 40 now, folks—the pressure is immense. Pelinka’s track record of bold moves (remember the Dončić trade?) suggests he’s not afraid to swing big, but a misstep here could derail the season.
As PFSN’s free NBA Playoff Predictor tool lets fans simulate the rest of the 2025-26 season, one thing is crystal clear: landing Jones would reshape the postseason picture. Imagine a Lakers starting five with Dončić, Reaves (or his replacement), Jones, LeBron, and Anthony Davis—defensive versatility meets offensive fireworks. This changes everything. The West would tremble, and the Lakers could reclaim their throne. The unthinkable is happening, Lakers Nation. Buckle up—Pelinka’s phone lines are burning, and the NBA landscape is about to shift. Will this desperate push pay off, or will it be the trade that haunts LA? Only time will tell, but one scout’s vision might just become reality.