The Los Angeles Lakers have identified New Orleans Pelicans wing Herb Jones as their most desired trade target to bolster their defense, according to reports. However, the Pelicans show no interest in moving him, and Jones remains ineligible for trade until January 14. This comes amid the Lakers' struggles on defense and the Pelicans' poor start to the season.
Trade rumors linking the Los Angeles Lakers to New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones have gained traction, with rival scouts and executives frequently naming him as the Lakers' top target. According to The Athletic's Dan Woike, the Lakers (17-7) are seeking defensive help, but face significant hurdles. Jones, 27, earned All-Defensive First Team honors in 2024 and is averaging 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game this season, shooting 40.4 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from three in 17 appearances. He recently missed eight games due to a right calf strain but has returned to the lineup.
The primary obstacles are clear: Jones signed a three-year, $68 million extension in July, making him untradeable until January 14, and the Pelicans have no intention of discussing a deal. Woike noted that the Lakers' offer—likely expiring contracts and a single first-round pick from 2031 or 2032—would not entice New Orleans. "While Lakers fans can fantasize about some all-out liquidation of the three-win Pelicans’ roster, team and league sources tell The Athletic that New Orleans is not interested in moving Jones," Woike wrote. The Pelicans, mired in a 3-22 start and a seven-game losing streak, face broader trade speculation around their stars, but Jones appears off-limits.
For the Lakers, defensive woes were evident in their recent NBA Cup quarterfinal loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where they allowed 50 percent field goal shooting and 45 percent from three despite 35 points from Luka Doncic and 19 from LeBron James. Head coach JJ Redick highlighted transition defense as a key issue: "Just didn't do a good job of getting back in transition... being able to contain the basketball is probably the most difficult thing for our team right now." Marcus Smart, the team's top defender, has missed 10 games and shared the floor with James only four times. The Lakers begin a four-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns (14-11) on Sunday, while the Pelicans host the Portland Trail Blazers (9-15) Thursday night.