The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a blockbuster move that could reshape their roster and reignite their championship aspirations. As the NBA season looms, the Purple and Gold are laser-focused on bolstering their defense, an area that’s been their Achilles’ heel under new head coach JJ Redick. Redick didn’t mince words in a recent presser, stating flatly, “Stopping opponents is currently the most difficult thing for our team.” And now, the cat’s out of the bag: the Lakers have zeroed in on their dream 3&D (three-and-defense) player to fix that glaring weakness. But hold onto your seats—the cost to make it happen is straight out of a fantasy league nightmare.
The Defensive Drought: Why the Lakers Need a 3&D Savior
Let’s set the stage. The Lakers have star power in spades with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, but their perimeter defense has been leaky at best. Opponents are torching them from beyond the arc and driving lanes with ease, turning what should be a contender into a team scraping for playoff positioning. Enter the 3&D archetype: players who can knock down threes on offense while locking down elite scorers on the other end. According to insider Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers are scouring the market for defensive forwards who fit this mold. The problem? These unicorns are rare, and every contending team wants one.
The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, knows they can’t afford to stand pat. With the Western Conference stacked—think Nuggets, Thunder, and Mavericks all loading up—the time to strike is now. But as Woike notes, the supply is limited, and competition is fierce. So, who’s the ultimate target that’s got Lakers Nation buzzing?
Revealed: Herb Jones, the Pelicans’ Defensive Dynamo
Drumroll, please… It’s Herb Jones from the New Orleans Pelicans! This 27-year-old wing is the epitome of a 3&D stud: elite on-ball defense, disruptive in passing lanes, and capable of hitting open threes at a respectable clip. Jones has been a cornerstone for the Pelicans, earning All-Defensive Team honors and helping anchor a unit that’s perennially tough to score against. His length, instincts, and hustle make him a perfect fit alongside AD, where he could slide into the starting lineup and immediately elevate the Lakers’ defensive rating.
Sources close to the situation confirm Jones tops the Lakers’ wish list, with whispers of exploratory talks already underway. Imagine Jones guarding the likes of Luka Doncic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in crunch time—it’s the stuff championship runs are made of. But here’s where the fairy tale hits a brick wall: the price tag is absolutely unthinkable.
The Unthinkable Price: What the Pelicans Want
New Orleans isn’t budging easily. Reports from the Big Easy indicate that the Pelicans view Jones (alongside young gun Trey Murphy III) as untouchable assets in their rebuild around Zion Williamson. To pry him away, the asking price starts with multiple first-round picks, premium young talent, and possibly even a star-level player in return. Think along the lines of what the Jazz got for Rudy Gobert or the Nets for Mikal Bridges—except dialed up to 11 because Jones is still on a team-friendly deal and entering his prime.
One insider quipped, “The Pelicans are asking for the moon, and then some.” It’s unlikely a deal materializes without the Lakers gutting their future assets, which could set them back years if it doesn’t pan out. And with other teams circling—hello, Clippers and Knicks—the bidding war could drive the cost even higher. Is Jones worth mortgaging the farm? For a shot at ring No. 18, the Lakers might just say yes.
Backup Plans: Keon Ellis and the Rest of the Field
If the Herb Jones dream fizzles, the Lakers aren’t out of options—though none pack quite the same punch. Next on the radar is Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings. This 25-year-old guard is a perimeter pest, known for his quick hands and relentless energy on defense. He’s disrupted stars like Stephen Curry in limited minutes, but his offense has been spotty, often rendering him an “ineffective piece” in half-court sets. Still, Ellis is one of the hottest trade chips out there, especially since Kings coaches have underutilized him in the past. A change of scenery to LA could unlock his potential, and his contract makes him a more affordable target.
Beyond Ellis, the Lakers are eyeing a handful of other defensive-minded wings:
- Derrick Jones Jr. (Los Angeles Clippers): The high-flying athlete who shone in Dallas last season brings athleticism and shot-blocking, but crosstown trades are always tricky.
- Terance Mann (Brooklyn Nets? Wait, hold up—sources clarify this might be a mix-up, but if it’s the Clippers’ Terance Mann, his versatility as a two-way guard/forward fits the bill perfectly.)
- Andrew Wiggins (Miami Heat? Clarification: Wiggins is actually with the Golden State Warriors, but if a three-team deal emerges involving Miami assets, his championship pedigree and defense could be intriguing.)
These alternatives are solid, but none scream “ultimate” like Jones. The key question: Can the Lakers close the deal with their limited arsenal?
The Lakers’ Trade Arsenal: Is It Enough?
Here’s the harsh reality—LA’s trade package isn’t exactly overflowing. Their most enticing pieces include:
- Dalton Knecht: The sharpshooting rookie who’s already turning heads in preseason. He’s got star potential, but teams might demand more.
- Draft Picks: A first-rounder and a couple of seconds. Valuable, but not the haul needed for a premium talent like Jones.
- Expiring Contracts: Players like Gabe Vincent provide salary-matching fodder, but they’re not game-changers.
Pelinka will need to get creative—perhaps bundling in more picks from future years or involving a third team to sweeten the pot. Fans are split: some scream “Go all-in!” while others warn against repeating past mistakes like the Russell Westbrook fiasco.
The Bottom Line: A High-Stakes Gamble
As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers are at a crossroads. Landing Herb Jones could transform them into legit contenders, but the unthinkable price might force them to pivot to Ellis or others. One thing’s for sure—JJ Redick’s defensive revolution starts now, and the NBA world is watching. Will the Lakers pull off the heist of the season, or will this ultimate target slip away? Stay tuned, Lakers faithful; the drama is just heating up.
What do you think—should LA pay up for Jones, or play it safe? Drop your takes in the comments!