In the high-stakes world of NBA trades, the Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to bold moves that reshape their roster and reignite championship aspirations. As the 2025-26 season unfolds, the Purple and Gold find themselves in second place in the Western Conference, yet whispers of discontent echo through the league. Defensive lapses and offensive inefficiencies have exposed vulnerabilities, prompting an urgent call from insiders for a game-changing acquisition. Enter Herb Jones, the New Orleans Pelicans’ elite 3-and-D wing—a relentless defender with a flamethrower from beyond the arc—who could be the missing piece to elevate the Lakers from contenders to juggernauts.
The Lakers’ Current Conundrum: A Strong Start Masking Deep Flaws
Despite their impressive standing in the West, the Lakers can’t shake the trade rumors that swirl around them like a persistent fog. With a star-studded lineup featuring LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton, the team boasts unparalleled offensive firepower. However, as one NBA scout bluntly put it to Lakers Daily, this first unit consists of “five guys who can’t play a lick of defense.” The numbers back up the critique: Los Angeles ranks a middling 16th in defensive rating and surrenders an alarming 13.7 made threes per game, leaving them vulnerable against sharpshooting powerhouses like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Houston Rockets.
Offensively, the issues are equally glaring. The Lakers sit dead last in the league for threes made per game (just 11) and 24th in three-point percentage (33.9%). Head coach JJ Redick addressed this shortfall head-on following a blowout victory over the Clippers, emphasizing the need for confidence and belief: “We’re literally one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA right now. I don’t think that’s who we are. We’ve got to make shots and we’ve got to shoot them with confidence… We got to shoot the ball better but it’s got to be a belief in each other and a belief in ourselves to knock down shots.”
These concerns have amplified calls for reinforcements, particularly in the frontcourt and on the perimeter. While veterans like Jarred Vanderbilt offer defensive grit, his offensive limitations render him “unplayable in the playoffs,” according to the scout. Even Marcus Smart, the team’s best perimeter defender at 31 years old, doesn’t crack the starting lineup. It’s clear: the Lakers need an athletic, versatile wing who can lock down opponents while spacing the floor.
Herb Jones: The Perfect Fit for L.A.’s Needs
This is where Herb Jones enters the fray. The 6’7″ combo forward, now in his fifth NBA season with the Pelicans, has established himself as a premier 3-and-D specialist. Two seasons ago, he earned All-Defensive First Team honors while posting career highs of 11 points per game on an impressive 41.8% from deep. This year, despite a nagging calf strain sidelining him temporarily, Jones is averaging 9.5 points, 1.4 steals, and shooting 39% from the field, 36% from three, and 73% from the free-throw line. His career three-point marksmanship stands at a reliable 36.5%, making him a “flamethrower” capable of igniting any offense.
The scout’s advice to Lakers GM Rob Pelinka is unequivocal: “Rob should be calling New Orleans non-stop trying to trade for Herb once he’s eligible to be moved.” Jones becomes trade-eligible on January 14, 2026, and with the Pelicans seemingly open for business amid their own struggles—potentially lottery-bound— the timing couldn’t be better. New Orleans’ willingness to deal could stem from their rebuild efforts, allowing Jones to thrive on a title contender rather than languish in mediocrity.
Jones’ skill set aligns seamlessly with the Lakers’ deficiencies. His length, athleticism, and defensive IQ would inject much-needed perimeter defense, allowing the team to match up against athletic wings in the West. Offensively, he provides another weapon for Doncic, James, and Reaves, stretching defenses and creating driving lanes. As the scout noted, “They need a stout defender who can also hit 3s. Herb fits that bill perfectly.”
The Road to a Blockbuster: Potential Trade Scenarios and Implications
While details of a potential deal remain speculative, Jones’ $13.9 million salary this season, ahead of a three-year extension, makes him an attainable target. The Lakers could dangle assets like Vanderbilt, future draft picks, or even role players to sweeten the pot. Pelinka’s history of aggressive trades—think Anthony Davis or the recent acquisitions of Doncic and Ayton—suggests he’s not afraid to pull the trigger if the fit is right.
If the Lakers’ struggles persist into January, this move could become inevitable. Acquiring Jones wouldn’t just address immediate needs; it could transform the lineup into a balanced powerhouse capable of withstanding playoff grind. Imagine a closing unit where Jones’ defensive tenacity complements LeBron’s playmaking and Luka’s scoring— a recipe for dominance.
A Title Push in Sight?
As the trade deadline looms, the Lakers’ pursuit of Herb Jones represents more than a roster tweak; it’s a blockbuster move with the potential to redefine their season. In a league where defense wins championships and spacing is king, Jones’ blend of relentless defense and sharpshooting prowess could be the catalyst that propels L.A. back to the NBA’s summit. With Pelinka reportedly working the phones, fans in the City of Angels might soon witness the arrival of their next defensive anchor. Stay tuned—this could be the trade that turns promise into a parade.