Herb Jones was trying to get to the locker room after a win in Chicago. He didn’t expect a fan to break news about his own career. The interaction, which caught the New Orleans Pelicans wing completely off guard, has ignited fresh speculation about whether the defensive standout is headed to Los Angeles.
While the Los Angeles Lakers navigated the start of the 2025-26 campaign impressively without LeBron James, it’s becoming clear they need defensive reinforcements to contend in the Western Conference seriously. Jones fits the profile perfectly, but based on his reaction to a courtside heckler, he hasn’t packed his bags just yet.
How Did Herb Jones React to the Viral Fan Moment?
After the Pelicans faced the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 14, a fan told Jones point-blank that he had just become a Laker. The defender didn’t play it cool or ignore the comment. Instead, he stopped with a stupefied look, asking, “What?” before eventually heading to the locker room.
The original video was posted on TikTok from the account adnan22216 and subsequently aggregated by an X account.
“Herb Jones you are a laker my boi 😂”
Herb Jones: huh😭😭
H/T adnan22216/ TikTok pic.twitter.com/yhlM1uMSRI
— Washed LakersvsHaters (@notlakersgm) December 15, 2025
Jones looked as confused as he was shocked. While fans discuss trade scenarios constantly, players rarely expect to hear about a deal from the stands. His genuine bewilderment suggests that if an agreement is in the works, nobody told the man involved.
The Pelicans have struggled mightily, sitting at 5-22. Despite the ongoing turmoil surrounding Zion Williamson, they still boast exciting young talent like Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. While New Orleans has looked exciting at times, their record could force it to move valuable assets like Jones to title contenders.
Jones would bring exactly what the Lakers need: an athletic defender who can space the floor. He fits the “3&D” prototype, though his shooting has fluctuated. In his five NBA seasons, he has shot over 40% from deep just once, achieving a 41.8% mark in the 2023-24 season.
His numbers have dipped in the 2025-26 campaign, where he is shooting 33.8% from three-point range. However, a change of scenery and better shot quality could be exactly what he needs to rediscover his stroke.
The shooting percentages might look different if Jones were catching passes from the Lakers’ current roster. Playing alongside Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James would create open looks he simply isn’t getting in New Orleans. Furthermore, his ability to cover ground defensively would be invaluable next to those offensive stars.
It might be hard to see New Orleans doing the Lakers a favor, but the NBA is unpredictable. After all, the Lakers already pulled off the massive Dončić trade, proving that impossible moves can happen. If the Pelicans decide to pivot, Los Angeles will likely be watching.
