The Los Angeles Lakers have several expiring contracts to trade if Rob Pelinka wants to upgrade their roster, and getting Herb Jones from the Pelicans could make it another masterful deadline. Fans will remember the Lakers stunningly acquired Luka Doncic at the 2025 trade deadline and dumped Russell Westbrook in 2023 as a pair of trades helped propel Los Angeles to the conference finals. The Lakers' needs are clear, and the ideal move is waiting.
Fans have seen the Lakers struggle with speed, athleticism, and quickness this season. They desperately need a stout perimeter defender to stop the downhill attacks. Marcus Smart showed signs of helping, but injuries are a serious question. The Lakers should be looking for one of the best perimeter stoppers in the league, like Herb Jones.
The Pelicans have the worst record in the NBA and should be listening to trade calls on any player not named Derik Queen. Los Angeles could pull off the perfect move that keeps Rui Hachimura and sends out Dalton Knecht to get Jones out of the Big Easy, but it will take a bit more of Pelinka’s sorcery.
Lakers could repeat trade deadline masterpiece by landing Herb Jones
Jones was first-team All-Defense in 2024, but he played just 20 games last season. He is averaging 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in 30.9 minutes per game to begin this year, while shooting just 34.7 percent from 3-point range. Those numbers should all improve in LA. The 6’7 wing wants to win, and the Lakers are one 3-and-D wing away from title contention.
It would take everything the Lakers have to entice the Pelicans to make this trade. It means giving up Dalton Knecht, their 2031 first-round draft pick, and a 2032 second-rounder. Los Angeles can’t get cute and lose out on the bidding. This is the perfect piece that fills a gaping hole.
Maxi Kleber’s $11 million expiring salary is a must in this trade. Paired with Knecht, the Lakers actually save $1.1 million in the deal, which opens room to sign a free agent to round out their roster.
Jones can’t be traded until Jan. 14 after signing an extension in the offseason that locks him in through 2030. It is a reasonable contract that would make the 27-year-old a long-term fit next to Luka Doncic in Hollywood. That is exactly what Pelinka loves to do.
The Lakers have no qualms about trading Knecht. He was moved in the Mark Williams trade that was rescinded by the big man’s failed physical. DK is not in the nightly rotation and may benefit from a change of scenery. This could be the best move for all parties involved.
The Los Angeles Lakers have masterfully remade their roster at the trade deadline in two of the last three years, and fans know Rob Pelinka wants to make it three out of four. Landing Herb Jones would do just that, and LA may be able to keep the rest of their rotation intact. Fans hope that is the case, but will have to stay tuned to see what Pelinka can pull off.