The Los Angeles Lakers desperately want to trade for Herb Jones, but Marc Stein reported the Pelicans plan to hold onto him (subscription required) and Trey Murphy III in his latest rumors roundup. Point of attack defense is a problem for the Lakers. They would love to add a 6’7 wing capable of guarding one through five, but it won’t be Jones if these rumors are true.
The Pelicans are 12-36 and have the third-worst record in the NBA. They are already 10.5 games out of the Play-In Tournament and don’t control their first-round draft pick in 2026. New Orleans would be wise to stockpile draft capital and pivot to the Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears timeline. Trading Murphy and Jones would net them a massive haul, but Joe Dumars doesn’t want to make it happen.
The Lakers may not have enough to acquire Jones if he becomes available before Feb. 5. Even their best package features just one first-round draft pick. LA would have to convince the Pelicans that Dalton Knecht or Adou Thiero could help them in the future. That is a massive ask.
Lakers fans hate the latest Herb Jones rumors
Los Angeles has multiple holes to fill as they attempt to build a sustainable title contender around Luka Doncic. Deandre Ayton is not the long-term answer at the five. The Lakers must add shooters and defenders on the wings. Luka and Austin Reaves give the franchise two stars to build around. It is all about finding the role players that make them a legit threat.
Jones is an elite defender capable of guarding multiple positions. He was first-team All-Defense in 2024 and likely would have been again in 2025 if he played enough to qualify. The 6’7 wing has been a subpar shooter for the Pelicans, but he shoots 38.7 percent from the corners for his career. Lakers fans know that nobody is better at creating open corner triples than Doncic.
Jones is having a down season as the Pelicans struggle mightily. The Lakers hoped to buy low and add the perfect long-term wing to pair with Luka. It appeared plausible, but Marc Stein says New Orleans isn’t moving him. The veteran insider knows his stuff, so all fans can do is pray the Pelicans have a change of heart in the final days before the deadline.
Supporters should be disappointed. The Lakers only want to make a midseason trade if they are acquiring a long-term fit. Herb Jones is that, but it takes two to tango.
The Los Angeles Lakers must upgrade their roster before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are in their primes. LeBron James is 41 years old and can’t stay elite forever. This is their chance to win a championship with this core. It won’t be with Herb Jones, but finding improvements is a must. Hopefully, Rob Pelinka doesn’t let Lakers fans down.