The Western Conference has been put on notice. The Los Angeles Lakers, already boasting a superstar tandem of LeBron James and Luka Dončić, are on the verge of adding the missing piece that could turn them into an unstoppable force. Sources close to the situation indicate that despite initial reluctance from the New Orleans Pelicans, trade discussions for All-Defensive wing Herb Jones have intensified, and a deal could be imminent before the February 5 trade deadline. If this goes through, the rest of the West better brace for impact—because Jones isn’t just a defender; he’s a two-way nightmare who’s draining threes at a blistering 41.8% clip this season.
Let’s break it down: The Lakers, sitting at 20th in defensive efficiency, have been desperately seeking a perimeter stopper to shore up their vulnerabilities. With Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, and even the ageless LeBron James showing defensive lapses, head coach JJ Redick has made it clear that elite wing defense is priority No. 1. Enter Herb Jones, the 6’8″ lockdown artist who’s been the heart of New Orleans’ defense since entering the league. Jones isn’t just good—he’s elite, earning All-Defensive honors and consistently frustrating the NBA’s top scorers with his length, instincts, and relentless energy.
But what elevates Jones from solid role player to “perfect LeBron weapon” is his offensive evolution. Once viewed primarily as a defensive specialist, Jones has transformed into a sharpshooter, hitting 41.8% from beyond the arc on solid volume this year. Imagine LeBron kicking out to Jones in the corner after drawing a double-team, or Dončić threading a pass through traffic for an open look. That 41.8% isn’t a fluke—it’s the result of refined mechanics and confidence, making him a deadly spot-up threat who spaces the floor for the Lakers’ ball-dominant stars. In a league where spacing is king, Jones provides the ultimate complement: suffocating defense without sacrificing offense.
NBA insider Chris Haynes dropped the bombshell on “The Kevin O’Connor Show” this Sunday, revealing that the Lakers have “made calls” to the Pelicans about Jones. With New Orleans owning the second-worst record in the league and facing a potential roster overhaul, the timing couldn’t be better. Sure, reports from The Athletic’s Dan Woike on December 11 suggested the Pelicans were “not interested” in moving Jones, especially for a package centered on one first-round pick (likely 2031 or 2032) and expiring contracts like Rui Hachimura or Gabe Vincent. Woike noted that New Orleans would “need a whole lot” to budge, and that the Lakers’ assets aren’t as shiny post-Dončić trade and amid ownership shifts under Mark Walter.
However, the buzz is shifting. Marc Stein’s latest Substack on December 14 echoed a high asking price but hinted that the Pelicans’ stance could soften as their season spirals. Scouts around the league, per Woike, have “most often linked” Jones to L.A., and with the deadline looming, desperation could force New Orleans’ hand. The Lakers aren’t alone in their pursuit—names like Andrew Wiggins, Keon Ellis, and Daniel Gafford have surfaced as alternatives—but Jones stands out as the ideal fit. His versatility allows Redick to deploy him against the West’s elite wings, from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Devin Booker, while his shooting unlocks new offensive dimensions.
Picture this Lakers lineup: Dončić orchestrating, LeBron slashing, and Jones lurking on the wings—defending like a pit bull and bombing from deep. It’s a recipe for dominance, turning the Lakers’ current flaws into strengths. The West is already stacked with contenders like the Thunder, Nuggets, and Mavericks (ironically, Dončić’s former team), but adding Jones could vault L.A. back to the top. Teams undervaluing the Lakers’ future pick might regret it when James and Dončić lead a playoff charge, amplified by Jones’ two-way prowess.
Of course, hurdles remain. The Pelicans’ front office has been adamant, and the Lakers’ limited assets—hampered by the Dončić blockbuster—mean they’d need to get creative, perhaps involving a third team or sweetening the pot with young talent. But as Woike himself admitted, views “could change” by deadline day. If the Lakers pull this off, it’s game over for the competition.
Western Conference rivals, consider this your warning. The Lakers are about to unleash Herb Jones, the elite defender who’s become a sharpshooting sensation. With LeBron wielding this new weapon, the path to the Finals just got a whole lot scarier. Stay tuned—the trade winds are blowing strong in L.A.