The Los Angeles Lakers have been on a desperate search for a two-way wing that can shut down opposing offenses from the point of attack for what feels like five years. With LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, they have scoring covered. If LA just got one shutdown wing, they may be real title contenders.
What Lakers fans have been hoping for may finally become a reality. Herbert Jones is in the midst of an incredibly down season with the New Orleans Pelicans.
It was reported that the Lakers had major interest in both Jones and Trey Murphy III as the trade deadline approached. The Pelicans were firm on holding on to both of their two-way wings.
However, as Jones' production continues to decline, Saddiq Bey's continues to rise, which could lead the Pelicans to consider parting with one of the fan base's most beloved players.
Herbert Jones is quietly becoming the perfect buy-low Lakers trade target
This season, Jones has struggled immensely on offense, shooting career lows virtually everywhere except the foul line. While that may scare away other general managers, it should entice Rob Pelinka.
The Lakers don't have a ton of long-term assets, and the prospect of getting Jones on a discount should be something they explore. Just two seasons ago, he finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and made the All-Defensive First Team, while also shooting 40 percent from 3.
Sure, Jones is going on his second straight season of shooting sub-33 percent from deep, but he's also been battling injuries the last couple of years. Another reason for his offensive regression may be that he is forced to do everything defensively for the Pelicans on during every single game.
Nightly, he's tasked with not just stopping guys from the point of attack, but being a rim protector and fighting on the boards. Most players would see their offensive game take a step back when they are asked to do that much defensively.
At his full potential, Jones is a top-five defender in the league and a reliable floor spacer. Those types of players are a rarity, especially when on a team-friendly deal like the one he signed this past offseason. Jones is set to make slightly over $22.5 million annually for the next three seasons. If JJ Redick could rejuvenate him, he would easily become one of the best contracts in the league.
The Lakers have been linked to two-way wings, specifically Jones, for a long time. Now, it appears they may have a clear path to making that addition a reality. With the Pelicans in search of a pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Lakers could potentially explore a deal centered on their projected early-20s first-round pick and Dalton Knecht.