Herb Jones is the Lakers’ most popular trade target, but there’s a Pelicans problem

Trade chatter surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers (17–7) continues to intensifybut the goal of the team that connects most often may not be achievable. According to a report from The Athletic’s Dan Voike on Thursday, New Orleans Pelicans wing Herbert Jones is at the top of the Lakers’ internal wish list – but league signals indicate the Pelicans aren’t interested in making him available.

Woike wrote that rival scouts and executives most often identify Jones as the Lakers’ favorite target. However, he noted two immediate obstacles: Jones cannot be traded until Jan. 14 because of the three-year extension he signed in July, and New Orleans is he showed no willingness to discuss the deal.

“While Lakers fans may fantasize about completely liquidating the Pelicans’ three-win roster, team and league sources tell The Athletic that New Orleans has no interest in moving Jones,” Woike wrote. “And given what LA would have to offer in a deal, expiring contracts and a first-round pick, the Pelicans almost certainly wouldn’t participate at that price.”

Jones, 27, earned first-team all-defensive honors in 2024 and is considered one of the best defensive players in the league. He is averaging 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 40.4 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from three in 17 appearances. Jones signed a three-year, $68 million extension in July, though that contract doesn’t begin until the 2027-2028 season. He is making $13.9 million this season on his current contract.

Pelicans don’t want to move Herb Joneslimiting the Lakers’ trade hopes

Woike’s report also pointed to skepticism about the Lakers’ draft capital, noting that their future first-round pick — likely in 2031 or 2032 — isn’t viewed as highly as it once was. It is believed around the league, he wrote, that owner Mark Walter’s experience with the Los Angeles Dodgers reduces the likelihood of a dramatic franchise decline that would make such a pick significantly more valuable.

Even beyond Jones, the broader market for defensive-minded guards and wings remains weak. Voike mentioned Sacramento’s Keon Ellis as another example of a player valued enough to land him would require significant assets — something the Lakers may not be in a position to offer.

The lack of available high-level defenders leaves Los Angeles to rely on internal improvements. LeBron James continues to get back into shape after missing the preseason and the opening month of the season, while Marcus Smart — the Lakers’ best individual defender — has already missed 10 games and shared the floor with James just four times.

Los Angeles begins a four-game road trip Sunday against the Phoenix Suns (14–11) at 8 PM ET, after his Defeated in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup by the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. Meanwhile, New Orleans will look to snap a seven-game losing streak when they host the Portland Trail Blazers (9-15) on Thursday night.