Derrick Jones Jr. has a proven track record of success with Luka Doncic. That makes him an excellent fallback option at starting forward for the Los Angeles Lakers after missing out on Jonathan Kuminga. Him being on the Los Angeles Clippers would be the main hold-up.
Thankfully for the Lakers, the disaster that was the Kawhi Leonard scandal created more desperation for little brother. With the Clippers set to accept the penalties, their NBA future is far from bright. That could lead to the franchise and Jones working together on his departure.
The Clippers forward is officially on an expiring contract in 2026-27. Team insider Tomer Azarly stated during his appearance on the Third Apron Podcast that Jones expressed his desire to stay in Los Angeles the last time both of them spoke.
Azarly followed that up by admitting that a lot has changed since then. The Clippers insider added that agents see different opportunities around the league, and if a better one becomes obvious, that can weigh on his future. He believed if Jones' agent approached the Clips and asked for a move, the franchise would operate 'in good faith' to get the athletic forward to where he wants to go.
That creates a semblance of hope for the Lakers. If Azarly is correct, Rob Pelinka just needs Jones to play his part and seek a reunion with his former running mate from Dallas.
Derrick Jones Jr. trade becomes more realistic if he points to the Lakers
2019 was the last time the Lakers and Clippers came together on a notable trade. Pelinka infamously blundered and gave away Ivica Zubac to Los Angeles' little brother franchise, not knowing the European center would blossom into one of the league's better players at the position.
It has been a while, but it could be time for the two sides to work together again. That could be even more true if reading between the lines of what was said by Azarly.
If Jones wants to remain in Los Angeles, the Lakers offer a far clearer path to a competitive environment and coming payday while also allowing the former Slam Dunk champion to largely stay put. That is a generous interpretation of the previous statement, but it does hold weight.
Jones played some of the best basketball of his career in 2024-25 alongside Doncic. Joining up with Luka in Los Angeles would allow DJJ a perfectly-timed opportunity to look the part of a great role player ahead of an offseason payday. It worked once already, didn't it?
The Lakers need Jones to identify them as preferred destination in a potential trade. Should that come to pass, Pelinka would have few reasons to back away from forking over the necessary assets to land a proven fit next to Doncic.
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