The Los Angeles Lakers have a well-known interest in acquiring New Orleans Pelicans defensive specialist Herbert Jones. Jones is widely regarded as one of the best on-ball defenders in the NBA, as well as a reliable three-point shooter, which has thus made him a dream target in Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, a new rumor about the Pelicans' asking price for Jones has effectively ended any and all hope the Lakers may have had of acquiring the All-Defense honoree.
Los Angeles has been linked to Jones in rumors and speculation throughout the 2025-26 season. The general consensus appears to be that the Lakers are aware of their need for a player who can defend opposing teams' best perimeter scorers and view Jones as an ideal fit for the job.
Unfortunately, NBA insider Chris Haynes is reporting that the Pelicans are unwilling to trade Jones during the 2025-26 season.
Sources: New Orleans Pelicans are disappointing the market in informing teams that Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears will remain with the organization past Feb. 5 trade deadline.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 9, 2026
Thankfully for the Lakers, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints has reported that the Pelicans are, in fact, willing to entertain offers for Jones. Unfortunately, the asking price starts at two first-round draft picks.
"There are several teams around the league interested in both Murphy and Jones despite the Pelicans continuing to signal that they don't want to trade either player. Still, league executives insist this is due to the Pelicans not receiving enough value and the asking price they have set for both players: two first-round picks for Jones and three first-round picks for Murphy, plus additional assets in the form of young talent."
Considering the Lakers can only trade one first-round draft pick in 2025-26, it's safe to come to the conclusion that they'll be unable to meet the Pelicans' minimum standard.
Pelicans want more than the Lakers can offer for Herb Jones
Los Angeles has found itself in dire need of an upgrade on the defensive end of the floor. It ranks No. 26 in the NBA in defensive rating and has now found itself on the wrong side of even in net rating at -0.9 after 37 games played.
As such, it's hardly surprising that the Lakers would express interest in a 2024 All-Defensive First Team honoree who's 27 years of age.
The truth that's too often overlooked, however, is that constructing a trade means landing on mutually beneficial terms. For the Pelicans, losing Jones would mean parting with their best perimeter defender as he's just now entering his prime.
As such, it should come as no surprise that New Orleans is setting a high asking price for a player it would undoubtedly benefit from keeping on its roster.
It must also be noted that Los Angeles isn't the only team that's likely to reach out about Jones. Any franchise hoping to add a top-tier 3-and-D player is at least weighing the pros and cons of making an offer for him, thus driving the asking price up even further as competition yields greater offers for the Pelicans to consider.
That ultimately results in the current situation, with the Lakers unable to compete with rival executives in meeting the asking price the Pelicans have reportedly set.