Chris Lambert of Pelican Debrief recently called for the New Orleans Pelicans to part with six players in order to bring the Zion Williamson era to an end. The names on that list included Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole, and Williamson himself.
The primary name that the Los Angeles Lakers would undoubtedly love to see depart New Orleans, however, is defensive specialist Herbert Jones.
Jones has spent his entire five-year NBA career with the Pelicans. During that time, he's emerged as one of the NBA's premier defenders, earning All-Defensive First Team recognition and finishing in the top five of Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2023-24.
Injuries have been an issue over the past two seasons, but it's worth noting that Jones appeared in 33 of the Pelicans' final 36 games in 2025-26.
Assuming the Lakers can procure a clean bill of health, it's fair to believe they'd be interested in bringing Jones in during a potential offseason of change for the Pelicans. He's a defensive ace in his prime at 27 years of age and has a team-friendly 2026-27 salary, as well as a three-year extension, the Lakers could potentially afford.
There are question marks about Jones' shooting and general fit on offense, but if the Lakers believe they can make it work, all signs point toward them being aggressive suitors this coming summer.
Pelicans expert calls for team to end Zion era, part with Herbert Jones
Los Angeles expressed interest in acquiring Jones earlier in the 2025-26 season. Unfortunately, a trade ultimately failed to materialize, with the reported asking price of two future first-round draft picks likely playing a role in such a development.
Once the offseason arrives and the Pelicans' priorities come into focus, however, the Lakers would be wise to revisit their interest and explore a potential deal.
Jones would offer long-term stability along the wings as a 27-year-old defensive specialist on a long-term deal. He's owed $14,898,786 for the 2026-27 season and has a three-year, $67,580,892 contract extension that will commence in 2027-28.
There is a degree of risk involved in acquiring a player with four seasons of fairly significant salary owed to them, but it'd also permit sustainability in terms of supporting Luka Doncic.
The big question is whether or not Jones will ever get back to shooting in the manner he was able to in 2023-24. He buried 41.8 percent of his three-point field goals during that career-defining year, but has shot 30.6 and 30.9 percent in the two years since.
If the Pelicans follow the approach that Lambert laid out, however, then the Lakers taking a chance on Jones would be a likely offseason endeavor.
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