Talks of adding a two-way swingman to raise the ceiling of the team dominated the rumor mill for the Los Angeles Lakers during the latter stages of the offseason. The need is still there. The player who was originally suggested might be too.
Marc Stein put forward the intel in early September that suggested the Lakers wanted that specific roster improvement. The NBA insider then mentioned Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins. Dan Woike added more fuel to the fire shortly after. Fast-forward to December, and Jake Fischer is confirming the potential availability of Wiggins.
Fischer wrote, "Sources insist, however, that Miami is indeed willing to part with Andrew Wiggins (and his $28.2 million salary) in the proverbial right deal."
The last part of that sentiment is the problem. The right deal for the Heat is rarely ever the same for the trade partners doing business with them. Pat Riley loves getting his way and doing damage to the team he is taking from. The Lakers may want to pass that up, especially with murmurings about Herbert Jones recently popping up.
Herbert Jones offers more long-term upside for the Lakers
Jones is undeniably as close to a perfect trade target as the Lakers can get. Perhaps the offensive side of the basketball is not as good as it would be for Wiggins. However, Herb can absolutely transform a defense all on his own.
The Lakers currently rank in the bottom half of the NBA when it comes to defensive rating. They could greatly benefit from the defensive upside of Jones much more.
Adding the New Orleans Pelicans wing is not completely out of the question either. It was also Fischer who suggested the franchise is willing to at least explore its options.
"There are definitely teams that have told me as recently as today that New Orleans is now starting to listen and at least show some willingness to listen on Herb Jones and Trey Murphy as well," Fischer said after confirming the Pelicans opening the door for a Zion Williamson trade.
The Lakers are really going to get one proper swing to acquire a difference-maker on the trade market. If forced to pick between Wiggins and Jones, the latter should be the target.
On top of Herb being the defensive fix for the Lakers, with the Heat positioned firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, any move with them will need to satisfy their short-term desire to compete. Drawing up a trade with the Pelicans should not be hamstrung by that problem.
Jones will not be a cheap addition. However, the return on investment should have plenty of upside.