With the NBA offseason now in full swing, it will not be long before the Los Angeles Lakers begin to make roster-transforming moves to help get themselves back into contending form once again. As they look around the league for moves to make, an opportunity may be emerging. The New Orleans Pelicans reportedly have several players on the trade block, and Herb Jones might just be the missing piece LA needs.
It's obvious that the Lakers have re-shaped their identity ever since the February trade for Luka Doncic. No longer relying on the dominant defense of Anthony Davis, LA is now fully leaning into the offensive genius of Luka Doncic. As this new era begins, it's clear what this Lakers roster needs more of: Defensive toughness and versatility.
Herb Jones is a player that would help to quell those issues right away. One of the best defenders in the association, Jones can defend multiple positions and bring a kind of high-level defensive tenacity to the Lakers' locker room that they are simply missing at the moment.
Herb Jones would be a perfect fit in Los Angeles
With such a heavy offensive load bring put on Doncic, we know that he is going to need capable defenders around him to cover for the inevitable mistakes he will end up making on the defensive end. Giving Luka a cushion defensively will allow him to be at his best and will ensure he saves his energy for clutch time in close games.
Jones missed most of the 2024-25 season due to a tear in his shoulder. Prior to his injury, he had shown real growth as a playmaker and had become a more well-rounded player as a whole. In 2023-24, he shot over 40% from three for the first time in his career. He's more than capable of getting back to that mark.
Overall, Herb Jones would be a fantastic fit next to Doncic and LeBron James, especially given the fact that he's not going to need the ball in his hands to impact winning. That's the kind of role player you want around two ball-dominant guys.
If the Pelicans' front office is intent on shaking things up, LA would have to think hard about offering up a strong trade package for Jones. Number five's talent is significant, and he could seriously change the trajectory for the Lakers if he ends up in Purple and Gold.