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Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with head coach JJ Redick during the first half of the NBA preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Despite their impressive 17-6 start, the Los Angeles Lakers rank No. 20 in defensive efficiency, suggesting they need to shore up their defense to make a deep playoff run. One All-Defensive ace consistently linked to the Lakers is Herb Jones, who could potentially be available ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Pelicans, who don’t own a 2026 draft pick, would be willing to shop both Jones and Trey Murphy to build draft assets for the future.
“…There are definitely teams that have told me as recently as today that New Orleans is now starting to listen and at least show some willingness to listen on Herb Jones and Trey Murphy as well,” Fischer told a Bleacher Report livestream, via RealGM.
“Those guys are going to have a lot of interest around the league. They’re both on very strong long-term contracts that are considered relatively team-friendly. Under $30 million in average annual value, which is a big threshold in this current market.”
Pels Have High Asking Price
Per The Athletic’s William Guillory, the Pelicans won’t deal Murphy or Jones unless an offer by the Lakers or other reported suitors blows them away.
“…While there will be tons of intrigue surrounding both of these guys, I would be surprised if the Pelicans seriously entertain moving either one unless they are blown away by offers they can’t refuse,” The Athletic reported on Dec. 6.
Guillory added that the Pels are seeking at least one first-round pick for Jones and have a “much higher price tag” for Murphy, one of the best sharpshooters in the league.
The Lakers could match the reported price tag for Jones, as they own one tradeable first-round pick (2o31/2032). However, it remains to be seen if Rob Pelinka and Co. go all-in on Jones, as doing so would kill their pursuit of other Lakers trade targets.
Lakers Trade Pitch for Jones
It’s worth noting that Jones, who inked a three-year, $68 million extension with the Pelicans last offseason, is in the final year of his previous deal, costing $13.9 million. As such, the Lakers won’t need to trade multiple contracts to acquire him.
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor proposed a deal that would see the Lakers part with a package of Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht and a first-round pick to land Jones.
“Why not go get somebody like a Herb Jones? Make an offer — give Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, a future first…maybe a little bit more,” O’Connor said.
Other analysts and NBA scouts have also urged the Lakers to add Herb Jones or another quality wing defender to their roster. One anonymous scout recently said the Lakers have no shot at winning a title with their current starting unit.
“Rob [Pelinka] should be calling New Orleans non-stop trying to trade for Herb once he’s eligible to be moved,” the scout said.
“A starting five of Luka [Doncic], Austin [Reaves], LeBron [James], Rui [Hachimura] and Deandre [Ayton] is not competing for a championship. That’s five guys who can’t play a lick of defense.”
Jones will become trade-eligible on January 14, 2026.
Sai Mohan covers the NBA for Heavy.com. Based in Portugal, Sai is a seasoned sports writer with nearly two decades of publishing experience, including bylines at Yardbarker, FanSided’s Hoops Habit, International Business Times, Hindustan Times and more. More about Sai Mohan
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