The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the more surprising teams in the league, to many.
Although the Lakers have a top-three-player on their roster in Luka Doncic and two other star players, including Austin Reaves and LeBron James, many pundits and experts didn’t think LA would get off to such a hot start as they have thus far.
Nonetheless, that is the case, as the Lakers sit with the second-best record in the loaded Western Conference. While that is the case, it is clear that the Lakers need to make a trade or two to truly compete with the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder and other top teams in the league.
The Lakers have done plenty right to start the season, but one flaw continues to stand out: their perimeter defense.
Even though the Lakers look solid to start the season, Los Angeles still lacks a true point-of-attack stopper who can consistently disrupt opposing guards and wings. As the front office evaluates ways to shore up that weakness, one name has surfaced more than any other - New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones.
According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, the Lakers will pursue Jones on the trade market.
Jones, 27, has been repeatedly linked to the Lakers in recent weeks, viewed league-wide as an ideal defensive fit thanks to his elite instincts, length and versatility. His ability to guard multiple positions at a high level makes him exactly the type of player Los Angeles has been searching for as they look to tighten things up on that end of the floor.
His play style is something that teams strongly desire, especially a team like the Lakers, which is looking to make major upgrades in that part of its roster.
The Lakers would greatly benefit from adding a player like Jones, especially given the current makeup of their roster. Outside of a few bright spots, Los Angeles has players on the roster who either specialize primarily on the offensive end or simply haven't met expectations defensively to start the year.
Bringing in a versatile defender of Jones' caliber would immediately balance the rotation, giving the Lakers a reliable stopper who can cover for some of those shortcomings.The Pelicans are down in the dumps now, and the LA could take advantage of that opportunity and offer them a solid package in the process.
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