Pelicans wing Herbert Jones is the player most frequently mentioned by rival scouts and executives as a potential in-season trade target for the Lakers, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.
However, despite rumors that New Orleans is more open to fielding calls on Jones than in the past, sources tell Woike that New Orleans isn’t particularly interested in moving the defensive ace, who will become trade-eligible on January 14. As Woike points out, the Lakers would have a hard time putting together a viable package for Jones even if the Pelicans were open to a deal, since Los Angeles can only trade one future first-round pick.
That tradable first-rounder – which would be for either the 2031 or 2032 draft – isn’t considered as valuable by rival teams as it once was, according to Woike. Last season’s trade for Luka Doncic, as well as Mark Walter‘s purchase of the team, make it less likely that the Lakers will bottom out in the coming years, which limits the upside of even a far-out draft pick.
Here are a few more items of interest on the Lakers:
- The reason the Lakers would be so interested in Jones is that he would provide the team with a much-needed defensive stopper. After giving up 132 points to San Antonio on Wednesday, L.A. now ranks 21st in the NBA in defensive rating (116.7). LeBron James expressed confidence that the Lakers will “continue to get better” on that end of the court, per Woike, but both James and head coach JJ Redick stressed the importance of establishing the right habits. “Our second half against Philly (on Sunday) was the most physical we’ve been, particularly off-ball,” Redick said, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. “But the physicality, and the shifts, and then the closeouts, that’s the essence of our defense. So if we’re not doing those things well, it’s hard for us to guard.”
- James’ longtime agent Rich Paul expressed during the first episode of the ‘Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul’ podcast for The Ringer (YouTube link) that he doesn’t think the Lakers “have enough” to get to the Western Conference Finals this season. Asked on Wednesday about the Lakers’ postseason upside, LeBron himself said it’s still too early to speculate. “What I can say is that the habits that we build throughout the regular season each month [are what is important],” James said, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “If we are in a position to make it to the postseason and be able to get to that point, well, we have to build it now. But as far as talking about what type of damage we’re going to do in the postseason in December, that’s not right for the basketball gods, not for me.”
- Marcus Smart‘s return to action from a back injury was a bright spot in an disappointing NBA Cup quarterfinal loss on Wednesday, writes Thuc Nhi Nguyen of The Los Angeles Times. Smart scored 26 points and was a +2 in 28 minutes of action off the bench. Spurs players also made just 3-of-11 shots when the veteran guard was the primary defender. “When he guards, when he talks to us, we listen,” Doncic said. “Just got to be a little bit more of what he’s doing.”
i doubt its true but i heard from a friend who read an article on a website his cousin sent him that lakers are trying to acquire either giannis or jokic and are willing to offer a 2032 second round draft pick PLUS a bucket of fried chicken from popeyes and the nba is seriously considering how to force the bucks or nuggets to agree
You read cause next year the Lakers have 92% chance of getting Jokic, Giannis, and Jones.
So, the odds of getting 2 of the 3 approaches 100%!
Steiner math is never wrong.
Lols ……. when did Davey J become a Lakers fan
When they lose Johnnybgood will make excuses and blame a player or a coach not named LeBron. He already has changed his narrative to they are one piece away, when 3 weeks ago they were championship contenders. After the trade deadline when they make a trade they will be contenders again. Than after a first or 2nd round exit him and all Laker fans will blame deandre ayton and or the player they got at the deadline and say they were never contenders.
When the off-season starts we will here how the Lakers will get Giannis and are contenders again. Rinse and repeat for 2026-2027 season
First, I live in SoCal, but the last several years have been watching the Mavs cause I’m a Luka fan. Now watching the Lakers cause they got Luka.
Second, I’m not a LeBron fan, both because of his self promotion and his anti-police rhetoric during the riots.
So, my point isn’t that LeVron is great, but that LeBron is a net positive for the Lakers still dnd buying him out is not to the Lakers benefit.
Also, yes, after the first quarter EVERY team assesses what they need. It’s not just the Lakers.
Ayton has been GREAT for the Lakers. Smart and LaRavia have been very good too. The Lakers still need another point of attack defender who can be relied upon to make 3s at a high clip.
Jebron “defense adverse” Lames!
Good to see Luke Kornet play the center position, 33 minutes, in the Spurs win last night over the Lakers! Glad to see other former Celts Kelly Olynyk and Marcus Smart do well too. I see former Celts like Sy Mykhailiuk start for the Jazz. Now if JD Davidson would get his chance in Houston, that would be great.
Love Herb Jones. That kid has moxie, he reminds me of a young me frankly.
It absolutely does not matter who the Lakers acquire – if LeBron, Luka and Reaves are all on the court, they are going to be awful defensively. You can’t hide 60% of your lineup.
LeBron is going to get his offensive numbers, but the Lakers are going to be a better team when he retires.
With Bron leaving next year. Lakers will have plenty of cap space. I have always said Reaves and Luka don’t work defensively. It’s best to sell high on Reaves now. Then sign Grimes as a FA next year. You move Reaves for a Shooter SF. Shooters will get plenty of good looks playing with Luka. Grimes is a shooter/scorer who plays D.