The Los Angeles Lakers are no longer hiding their intentions. With the February 5 trade deadline fast approaching and the Western Conference tightening like a vice around every playoff contender, the franchise has officially identified the missing ingredient in its roster construction. According to reporting from Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Lakers want one thing — and they want it badly: a true 3-and-D wing who can defend the perimeter and punish defenses from deep.
Amick didn’t mince words in describing the Lakers’ wishlist.
“I’m told the Lakers are looking for a 3-and-D type player. It could be Keon Ellis, Herb Jones, or someone in that mold.”
This is the clearest signal yet of how Los Angeles views its championship equation. With Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves carrying the offensive load, the Lakers know they need a rugged, reliable role player on the wing to handle defensive assignments and stretch the floor — a gap that has been apparent for weeks.
And now, two names are officially at the top of their board.
The most intriguing name — and the one insiders believe is most attainable — is Keon Ellis, the 25-year-old wing from the Sacramento Kings. Ellis is quietly putting together the kind of season that front offices drool over:
-
39.2% from three this year
-
42.4% from deep for his career
-
6’6’’ frame with a 6’6’’ wingspan
-
Defensive instincts that fit perfectly into Darvin Ham’s system
And yet, despite his efficiency and energy, Ellis hasn’t found a stable role on a struggling Sacramento roster. That combination — valuable skills paired with low organizational investment — makes him exactly the kind of player smart contenders try to pry away before the deadline.
For the Lakers, he checks every box: length, shooting, youth, and defensive versatility at a bargain salary.
The second name on Los Angeles’s radar is significantly more ambitious: Herb Jones, the do-everything defensive anchor of the New Orleans Pelicans. At 27, Jones has already become one of the elite stoppers in the Western Conference. His season stat line — 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 34.7% from three — doesn’t fully capture his impact.
He guards multiple positions, anticipates plays before they happen, and brings a level of defensive intelligence few players possess. For a Lakers team often scrambling to contain elite wings and guards, Jones would instantly transform their perimeter toughness.
But the Pelicans know his value — which means the price will be high.
Unlike recent years, Los Angeles finally has assets that can make deals possible.
Among the tradable pieces:
-
Expiring contracts
-
Multiple role-players
-
And notably, rookie Dalton Knecht, who the Lakers would consider including if the return is meaningful enough.
Starting the season at 17–6, the Lakers believe the window is open right now — and are determined to upgrade without blowing up their internal chemistry.
The question is whether general manager Rob Pelinka will push all the necessary buttons, and whether opposing teams will bite.
Because one thing is certain:
The Lakers know exactly who they want — and now, the rest of the league knows it too.
Leave a Reply