The LA Lakers are reportedly ready to go after Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans to improve their subpar defense. One blockbuster three-team trade proposal will give the Lakers Jones and four other players in what might be a franchise-altering deal.
Evan Sidery of Forbes reported that the Lakers are monitoring the Pelicans’ situation and would pounce once Jones becomes available. Sidery added that the purple and gold franchise’s pursuit of Andrew Wiggins is over, and they will focus their attention on Jones.
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Herb Jones has been one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA over the past few seasons. Jones’ offense has also improved every season, so he’ll be a valuable addition to the LA Lakers‘ defense.
Marcus Smart has been the team’s best defender this season, but he won’t be enough if the Lakers want to contend for the championship. They need to add more, and Jones would be a great start.
Ryan Lucas of Hoops Hallow made a bold suggestion on how to bring Jones to Los Angeles via a three-team trade with the Pelicans and the Brooklyn Nets.
Lakers receive: Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey and Jose Alvarado from the Pelicans and Day’Ron Sharpe and Ben Saraf from the Nets.
Pelicans receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, a 2031 first-round pick and a 2032 second-round pick from the Lakers
Nets receive: Yves Missi from the Pelicans and Gabe Vincent and a 2028 first-round pick swap from the Lakers.
While this trade definitely helps the Lakers turn into contenders, it’s hard to see the Pelicans and Nets doing the trade. Vanderbilt and Knecht are worse than Jones and Bey, while Alvarado is a better backup than Vincent. Sharpe is also a better option at center than Missi at the moment.
If the Pelicans are rebuilding, they would want more than just one first-round pick for three important players from their rotation. As for the Nets, Saraf was their first-round pick this year, so they likely don’t want to replace him with a 2028 first-round pick swap since the Lakers are projected to be contenders in that year.
Bill Simmons predicts Herb Jones to the Lakers
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons was also the latest analyst to predict Herb Jones going to the LA Lakers. Simmons thought that the Lakers could get Jones from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Dalton Knecht and the 2031 first-round pick.
However, the Lakers are over the cap, so they can’t take in more money. Jones also recently signed an extension, which means he’s not eligible for trade until Jan. 15.
Edited by Juan Paolo David
