In a bold move that could reshape their championship aspirations, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly set to acquire New Orleans Pelicans wing Herb Jones in a stunning trade, according to insights from an anonymous NBA scout. With the Lakers’ defense lagging behind elite contenders, this acquisition of the $68 million defensive standout is being hailed as the perfect fit to bolster their perimeter protection. The scout, speaking candidly, emphasized Jones’ ability to address the team’s glaring weaknesses, stating, “He fits that bill perfectly.”
The Lakers, under the guidance of general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick, have been aggressively seeking ways to fortify their roster amid a season where offensive firepower hasn’t translated to defensive dominance. Currently sitting at 16th in the league for defensive efficiency, allowing 114 points per 100 possessions, the Purple and Gold have struggled to contain high-powered offenses like those of the OKC Thunder and Denver Nuggets. The scout didn’t mince words about the current starting lineup featuring Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves: “A starting five of Luka, Austin, LeBron, Rui, and Deandre is not competing for a championship. That’s five guys who can’t play a lick of defense.”
At 40 years old, LeBron James remains a force, but his defensive efforts are understandably selective. The scout acknowledged this, saying, “LeBron can do it a little when he tries, but he’s 40, man. Give him some slack and trade for a guy like Jones who can cover for him, Austin, and Luka.” Jones, a former All-Defensive First Team selection, would immediately become the Lakers’ top defender, bringing athleticism and versatility to a unit that desperately needs it.
Jones, who inked a three-year, $68 million extension with the Pelicans last summer, becomes trade-eligible on January 14, 2026—making this potential deal a timely pivot for Los Angeles as the trade deadline approaches. The scout urged Pelinka to act decisively: “Rob should be calling New Orleans non-stop trying to trade for Herb once he’s eligible to be moved.” With the Pelicans reportedly “open for business” amid their own roster evaluations, players like Jones, Trey Murphy III, and Jose Alvarado are drawing significant interest league-wide.
What makes Jones such an ideal addition? Beyond his elite defensive chops, he’s enjoying a career-best season from beyond the arc, knocking down 1.6 threes per game at a 36.2% clip. Paired with the Lakers’ playmaking trio of James, Doncic, and Reaves, those numbers could soar even higher as Jones feasts on open looks. The scout highlighted this synergy: “They need a stout defender who can also hit 3s. Herb fits that bill perfectly and New Orleans is open for business.”
Currently, the Lakers’ best perimeter defender is 31-year-old Marcus Smart, who has been a bright spot with the team conceding just 106.7 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor—nearly eight fewer than when he’s off. However, Smart’s offensive struggles (9.3 points on 25.4% from three) limit his role, and he’s not even a starter. Jarred Vanderbilt offers strong defense but is often unplayable in playoffs due to his offensive limitations. Jones, by contrast, provides a balanced skill set that could elevate the Lakers from pretenders to legitimate threats.
“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 added, underscoring the urgency of this move. If executed, this trade could catapult the Lakers’ defense into the top 10, bridging the gap with juggernauts like the Thunder, who allow nearly 12 fewer points per 100 possessions.
While details of the trade package remain under wraps—potentially involving draft picks, young talent, or expiring contracts—the buzz around this deal suggests Pelinka is ready to pull the trigger. For a franchise with championship-or-bust expectations, landing Herb Jones isn’t just a roster tweak; it’s a statement of intent. As the scout put it, this could be the missing piece that turns the Lakers’ star-studded lineup into a well-rounded contender. Stay tuned as the NBA trade season heats up—could this be the move that reignites the Lakers’ dynasty dreams?