Lakers Reportedly 'Love' All-Defensive Forward Amid Trade Buzz

Jan 29, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Herbert Jones (5) reaches for the ball in front of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Jrue Holiday (21) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have a well-documented problem on defense.

It's gotten so bad, that the team's head coach, JJ Redick, has used choice words to describe his team's effort on the defensive end of the court.

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“JJ really got on us and basically showed us, ‘Y’all showing y’all are ass right now and it’s time to tighten up a little bit,'" Lakers center Deandre Ayton told reporters earlier this week. "You got to have some pride on the defensive end.”

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly “love” Herb Jones, and teams around the league think he’s worth two first-round picks, per @MikeAScotto

(Via @AlexGoldenNBA ) pic.twitter.com/49WsTOE7Lf

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 17, 2025

The Lakers' defensive rating and points allowed per game both rank in the bottom 10 of the NBA, as they continue to struggle to hold back opposing offenses.

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Because the Lakers are so dominant on offense, with the seventh-highest offensive rating in the league, this year's team, which sits at 19-7 after their Thursday night win over the Utah Jazz, is worth investing in a mid-season trade.

The New Orleans Pelicans are a team that other teams are watching per @MikeAScotto:

▫️The Los Angeles Lakers “love” Herb Jones?

▫️The Golden State Warriors & Portland Trail Blazers monitoring the trade market for Trey Murphy III

▫️Zion Williamson a buy-low candidate? pic.twitter.com/ZdblFgtVQF

— Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) December 17, 2025

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones is a name that has continuously been linked with the Lakers, as the young forward is the exact type of defensive star the team needs on their roster. The Lakers reportedly "love" Herb Jones, according to reporter Mike Scotto, and teams across the league think the Pelicans could demand a hefty trade package in exchange for the 27-year-old.

"Herb's been a great 3-and-D guy and he's got a really good contract," Scotto said on Setting the Pace. "So, teams around the league think a guy like that could go for as much as two first round picks if he's going to be traded."

Are The Pelicans Asking Too Much for Jones?

Jones is averaging 10.1 points per game this season on a flailing Pelicans team that has won just 6 games this season. While the Pelicans could certainly be sellers this season, it seems that their asking price for Jones could be out of the Lakers' budget.

The Lakers have just one tradable first-round pick in 2031. With a lack of young, blue-chip prospects to send off, it is likely that the Pelicans will look outside of Los Angeles if they are to deal away Jones.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.