The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to shake things up. With a solid 17-6 record but glaring defensive weaknesses, the purple and gold are reportedly targeting New Orleans Pelicans’ elite defender Herb Jones in a potential three-team blockbuster that could reshape their championship aspirations.
The Trade Package That Could Change Everything
A bold proposal from Hoops Hallow has NBA insiders buzzing. This massive three-team deal involving the Lakers, Pelicans, and Brooklyn Nets would see Los Angeles acquire five players while sacrificing future assets and young talent.
Lakers Proposed Trade Breakdown
| Team | Receives | Gives Up |
|---|---|---|
| Lakers | Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey, Jose Alvarado (NO), Day’Ron Sharpe, Ben Saraf (BKN) | Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, 2031 1st rounder, 2032 2nd rounder |
| Pelicans | Vanderbilt, Knecht, Kleber, 2031 1st rounder, 2032 2nd rounder | Jones, Bey, Alvarado |
| Nets | Yves Missi (NO), Gabe Vincent, 2028 pick swap (LAL) | Sharpe, Saraf |
Why the Lakers Are All-In on Herb Jones
Jones isn’t just another player—he’s the missing piece in LA’s championship puzzle. The 6-foot-7 wing defender earned All-Defensive First Team honors two seasons ago while shooting a career-high 41.8% from beyond the arc. His $68 million extension through 2029-30 makes him one of the most team-friendly contracts in the NBA.
Forbes’ Evan Sidery reports the Lakers have moved on from pursuing Andrew Wiggins and are laser-focused on Jones, who becomes trade-eligible on January 15, 2026. Multiple sources, including The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, have confirmed LA’s aggressive pursuit of the Pelicans’ defensive ace.
The urgency is real. Despite sitting second in the Western Conference, the Lakers rank 20th in defensive efficiency. With LeBron James in his 23rd season and newly acquired superstar Luka Doncic demanding championship-level support, the window for a title run is closing fast.
The Pelicans’ Motivation to Deal
New Orleans sits at a disastrous 3-22 record—the worst in the NBA. With Zion Williamson sidelined and no 2026 first-round pick after trading it to Atlanta, the franchise has every reason to enter rebuild mode. NBA insider Jake Fischer reports the Pelicans are now listening to offers on both Jones and Trey Murphy III, signaling their willingness to accumulate draft capital.
Expert Analysis: Will This Trade Happen?
While the proposal addresses LA’s defensive shortcomings, NBA analysts question whether all three teams benefit equally. The Pelicans would receive just one first-round pick for three rotation players, which seems light for a rebuilding franchise. Brooklyn parting with 2025 first-rounder Ben Saraf for a 2028 pick swap also raises eyebrows.
Bill Simmons’ simpler framework—Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, and a 2031 first-rounder—might prove more realistic. However, salary matching complications make any Jones deal complex. According to NBA salary cap rules, the Lakers must navigate luxury tax implications carefully.
Rich Paul, LeBron’s agent, recently questioned whether the current roster can contend for a championship, adding fuel to trade speculation. With the February 6, 2026 deadline approaching, expect negotiations to intensify as LA weighs sacrificing future assets for immediate championship hopes.
FAQs
Q: When can Herb Jones officially be traded to the Lakers?
Jones becomes trade-eligible on January 15, 2026, due to poison pill restrictions from his July extension. The Lakers cannot finalize any deal before this date, but they’re reportedly working on framework agreements now with the trade deadline on February 6, 2026.
