The Los Angeles Lakers are sounding the alarm on their defensive woes, and it’s music to the ears of fans dreaming of another championship run. In a league where perimeter defense can make or break a contender, the Lakers have zeroed in on a game-changer: New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Purple and Gold have already initiated trade discussions with the Pelicans for the 27-year-old defensive maestro, a move that could reshape the Western Conference landscape and propel L.A. back into the heart of the title conversation.
Haynes dropped the bombshell on the December 14, 2025, edition of “The Kevin O’Connor Show,” revealing, “Those are calls … that the Lakers have made to New Orleans.” This isn’t just idle speculation—it’s active pursuit. The Lakers’ roster has been plagued by a glaring lack of perimeter defense and elite athleticism on the wings, issues that have hampered their ability to contain slashing guards and versatile forwards in today’s fast-paced NBA. Jones, with his All-NBA Defensive First Team credentials from the 2023-24 season, represents the perfect antidote.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (C) drives between New …
alamy.comLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (C) drives between New …
At 6-foot-7 with a wiry frame and relentless motor, Jones is a lockdown defender who finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2024—the last season he played enough games to qualify for awards. His career 36.5% three-point shooting on about three attempts per game adds offensive versatility, making him more than just a specialist. He’s the type of player who can guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and provide the high-end athleticism the Lakers desperately need alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Financially, the fit is seamless. Jones is set to earn $21 million in the 2025-26 season, the first year of a three-year, $67.6 million extension. That’s a bargain for his production, and the Lakers can easily match salaries with a package of expiring contracts. This would give the rebuilding Pelicans cap relief heading into free agency, allowing them to chase talent without the burden of Jones’ deal.
The real sticking point? Draft capital. The Lakers have five first-round pick swaps available, but those hold little appeal for a Pelicans team projected to have one of the league’s worst records this year—and likely for seasons to come. New Orleans isn’t building around immediate contention; they’re in asset-accumulation mode. To seal the deal, L.A. will almost certainly need to part with their lone tradable first-round pick before the early February deadline—either in 2031 or 2032.
This concession underscores Jones’ value as the Lakers’ top mid-season target. Without additional premium assets to offer, he could be their singular big swing for a win-now upgrade. But if acquired, Jones addresses the roster’s biggest weakness head-on, transforming a vulnerable defense into a high-alert unit capable of stifling opponents in crunch time.
Imagine the ripple effects in the title race: A fortified Lakers squad, with Jones anchoring the wings, could challenge the likes of the Nuggets, Thunder, and Mavericks in the West. LeBron, at 41, is still performing at an elite level, and Davis remains a two-way force. Adding Jones elevates their ceiling, turning a good team into a legitimate contender. It’s a defensive signal that’s impossible to ignore—one that could change everything as the playoffs loom.
As talks progress, all eyes are on Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office. Will they pull the trigger on this $21 million All-NBA talent? If so, the title race just got a whole lot more intense. Stay tuned— the Lakers are on high alert, and the league should be too.