The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring trade options to bolster their perimeter defense, with interest in Los Angeles Clippers wing Derrick Jones. Jones previously played alongside Luka Dončić on the Dallas Mavericks team that fell short in the NBA Finals. This move aims to address vulnerabilities in the Lakers' current lineup.
The Lakers' front office recognizes significant defensive shortcomings, particularly on the perimeter, as they scan the trade market ahead of the deadline. According to a report by Sam Amick in The Athletic, president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka is seeking players who can strengthen this area. The current core, including Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James, struggles to provide adequate defense when healthy.
Amick highlighted potential targets: "When healthy, the odds of Dončić, Reaves and James providing an adequate line of defense on the perimeter are slim to none. So, can president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka land someone like New Orleans’ Herb Jones (not currently believed to be available), Derrick Jones (for the right price) or Ellis (ditto), who could aid this cause?"
Derrick Jones stands out as a versatile option. The athletic forward, capable of guarding multiple positions, brings size and playoff experience from his time with the Mavericks, who lost in the NBA Finals. Currently with the struggling Clippers, Jones could become available if the team decides to sell assets. However, a trade between the two Los Angeles rivals raises questions about the Clippers' willingness to aid a divisional competitor in championship pursuits.
While Herb Jones from the Pelicans is viewed as the ideal fit by some Lakers supporters, his unavailability pushes the focus toward alternatives like Derrick Jones. This pursuit underscores the Lakers' urgency to fortify their defense for tighter games, especially in the postseason.