Lakers Urged to Trade for Herb Jones as Defensive Woes Threaten Championship Hopes
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a stark reality: their current starting lineup may not be enough to contend for an NBA championship. An anonymous NBA scout told Lakers Daily that the team’s roster of Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves is defensively inadequate, leaving the Lakers vulnerable against elite Western Conference teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets.
“A starting five of Luka, Austin, LeBron, Rui, and Deandre is not competing for a championship,” the scout emphasized. “That’s five guys who can’t play a lick of defense. LeBron can do it a little when he tries, but he’s 40, man. Give him some slack and trade for a guy like Herb Jones who can cover for him, Austin, and Luka.”
Indeed, the Lakers’ defensive struggles are glaring. Ranked 16th in defensive efficiency, they concede 114 points per 100 possessions—nearly 12 more than the Thunder and three more than the Houston Rockets. The team lacks perimeter stoppers, leaving offensive juggernauts free to exploit gaps. Even with Marcus Smart on the floor, Los Angeles only manages 106.7 points allowed per 100 possessions, highlighting how much of a defensive difference-maker a top-tier wing can be.
Jones also offers offensive upside. Currently enjoying a career year from beyond the arc, he’s hitting 36.2% of his threes, averaging 1.6 made per game. In a Lakers offense featuring elite playmakers LeBron, Doncic, and Reaves, Jones’ three-point opportunities are likely to increase, making him a rare combination of defensive prowess and shooting threat.
The Lakers’ current construction leaves them exposed against athletic, high-scoring opponents. The scout warned, “As currently constructed, the Lakers will get waxed by Denver, OKC, and Houston because they don’t have athletic defenders on the perimeter. They need a stout defender who can also hit threes. Herb fits that bill perfectly, and New Orleans is open for business.”
However, acquiring Jones comes with timing constraints. He signed a three-year, $68 million extension last summer and cannot be traded until January 14, 2026. Should the Pelicans decide to move him, interest from multiple franchises is expected, including teams coveting his defensive and offensive versatility alongside players like Trey Murphy III and Jose Alvarado.
For the Lakers, Jones represents more than a trade acquisition; he could be the defensive cornerstone necessary to compete at the highest level. In a season where margin for error is minimal, adding an elite perimeter defender with shooting ability could be the difference between a deep playoff run and early elimination.
If the Lakers act decisively, a blockbuster move for Herb Jones could reshape their roster and restore hope for a championship-contending season. Otherwise, the defensive gaps in their lineup may continue to haunt them, leaving fans anxious and opponents ready to exploit every weakness.
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