The Los Angeles Lakers have started the 2025-26 season at a blistering pace. They have a 13-4 record and are the second seed in the Western Conference. But the starting five could still use an upgrade, especially defensively, and an NBA scout has named the ideal trade target.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have been scoring at will this season. Since LeBron James has returned, he’s fit in seamlessly on offense. However, the Lakers are giving up points at a rapid rate. And Herb Jones has been named as the perfect fit to satisfy those necessities.
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“Rob (Pelinka) should be calling New Orleans non-stop, trying to trade for Herb once he’s eligible to be moved,” the NBA scout told Lakers Daily. “Their best perimeter defender is a 31-year-old Marcus Smart who doesn’t even start. Vando is a great defender, but he’s unplayable in the playoffs because of his offensive limitations.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones dribbles the ball up court under pressure from Denver Nuggets forward Cam Johnson. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
“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.”
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Herb Jones has made an All-Defensive First Team in his career and has the ability to be a high-end role player on a championship team. If the Lakers could swing a move for the Pelicans star, it might turn them into a legitimate contender.
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