The Los Angeles Lakers’ offense is one of the most dominant in the NBA this season.
Led by the Lakers’ ‘Big Three’ of Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, L.A.’s offense is a matchup nightmare for almost any opponent. However, the same cannot be said about their defense.
The team lacks premier defenders outside of James and veteran guard Marcus Smart, which could change in a major trade with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Lakers Predicted To Trade for Herbert Jones
The New Orleans Pelicans clearly need to kickstart a rebuild with a record of 3-18.
This means win-now pieces, including Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herbert Jones, could become available leading up to February’s trade deadline. Because of this, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor predicts the Lakers could bolster their defense with a deal for Jones.
“Why not go get somebody like Herb Jones, like, make an offer,” O’Connor began. “Give Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, a future first, maybe a little more if you have to. One of the swaps possibly to the Pelicans. Why not at least make an effort?”
Jones’ numbers are a bit down from the previous two seasons, as he is averaging 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 39% shooting. The appeal of acquiring Jones is not his offensive efficiency or scoring, but rather, his elite perimeter defense. Not to mention, he is 27-years-old, so he fits the timeline of Dončić quite nicely.
Jones inked a three-year, $67 million contract extension with the Pelicans in July that does not begin until the 2027-2028 season. Jones being under contract long-term gives the Lakers’ front office one less player to worry about re-signing.
“Because I think this team is that legit offensively, and if they can stagger Smart and LeBron, [with] LeBron kind of being the quarterback of the defense when he’s on the floor. Then, Smart coming off the bench serving that role, and then add a guy like Herb Jones on top of this, that’s where things get pretty interesting, with this team’s offense then being supported by what would be like a borderline top 10 defense,” O’Connor concluded.
The Lakers are clearly looking to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy at season’s end, and it’s hard to imagine a team even reaching the biggest stage without an elite defender.