The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a hot start to the season. As things stand, the team sits with a 15-4 record, which is good for second in the loaded Western Conference.
The Lakers have surprised many people with their hot start, especially considering they have played most of the season without their superstar forward, LeBron James. James has played in only four games this season, and while he was out, LA also played without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for stretches.
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Los Angeles has played well beyond anyone’s expectations. While that is the case, it is clear they need to make some moves to be considered a legitimate title contender. The Lakers have the top-end talent to be in that conversation. Still, they lack a defender who could take the load off their star players on that end of the floor.
With that being the case, Svyatoslav Rovenchuk of LakeShow Life suggests that LA should make a move for former All-Defensive forward, Herb Jones.
"It would be disappointing to see Jones waste away in New Orleans for another year," wrote Rovenchuk.
"The mold of player he is would answer exactly what Rob Pelinka has been on the hunt for since the offseason. Jones is the type of 3-and-D star who would immediately raise the Lakers' ceiling. His $13.9 million makes him an easy player to match salaries for as well."
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Jones is an elite two-way player. He first made his name on the defensive side of the ball, where he proved he could guard multiple positions.
The 27-year-old forward also has improved mightily on his outside shooting, upping not only his three-point attempts but also his percentage. Jones is a career 36.5 percent shooter from beyond the arc.
The Lakers lack a player like Jones, and if they could acquire his talents, LA could make a serious run at a title.
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