What are the Los Angeles Lakers two biggest needs on the roster? A backup center and an upgrade on the wings. The New Orleans Pelicans could provide either one of those things for Rob Pelinka's team, were it not for the stingy negotiator that is Joe Dumars.
Pelicans insider Shamit Dua offered insight on a couple of key names in New Orleans during his recent look at the franchise. The theme on guys who the Lakers would have interest in was consistent. Either Dumars has too high of an asking price or is rebuffing interest altogether.
Take Herb Jones for example. The idea of adding the defensive ace has been a popular one for the Lakers over the last couple of years. Even now, amid a 1-4 start and a dwindling role under Jamahl Mosley, Dumars has not backed down off wanting 'near two first-round picks.'
It has been a similar story with a backup center target like Yves Missi. The Pelicans are not indicating they will be easy to negotiate with by any means.
"Teams have also continued to call on Pelicans center Yves Missi. ... The Pelicans, like with Jones, continue to rebuff offers, which have mostly been based around second round picks."
Joe Dumars and the Pelicans continue to hold asking prices too high to negotiate with
It should be said that New Orleans has no obligation to gift their current players to anyone. However, they are certainly flirting with the strategies of the old Chicago Bulls regime by holding onto their players for way past their peak value despite being ill-equipped to make any noise whatsoever.
Maybe the 1-4 start is not representative of who the Pelicans will be this season. Perhaps the dirt is being thrown on their seemingly dead bodies far too early. The problem for the Pels is nothing over recent years has suggested New Orleans is on an upward trajectory with their current group of guys.
They have good players, but the collection of talent has not meshed together for any type of meaningful results since the 2023-24 season. They appear to be a group that is treading water in the middle. In the NBA, that is the worst place to be.
For most teams, that would at least invite reasonable tinkering with the formula. For the Pelicans, that has not been the case. Dumars is standing pat with what he has.
On top of the two names mentioned above, even a player like Karlo Matkovic would warrant interest from the Lakers. Unfortunately, Pelinka has no real reason to dial Dumars' number until a dose of reality finally hits the lead decision-maker for the Pelicans. Perhaps that can happen closer to the 2027 deadline. Right now, all the rumors would suggest a phone call would be a fruitless endeavor.
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