Rob Pelinka, Lakers
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President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on before an NBA game.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a defensive wing upgrade suffered a major setback as the trade deadline approaches, with two of their most coveted targets effectively off the market.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the New Orleans Pelicans have closed the door on any possibility of moving their prized wings before the Feb. 5 deadline.
“Just as New Orleans has repeatedly insisted it intends to hold on to in-demand swingmen Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones,” Stein wrote Monday in The Stein Line.
The stance delivers a blow to several contenders — including the Lakers — who had identified Pelicans wings as ideal fits for a postseason push.
Why Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones Were Lakers Priorities
Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Pelicans, Lakers
GettyTrey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans celebrates a second-half basket with Herbert Jones.
Both Murphy and Jones have been widely coveted around the league, though for different reasons.
Murphy, who erupted for 42 points against the Lakers in early January, represents the modern prototype of a high-level 3-and-D wing with legitimate offensive upside. At 6-foot-8, he offers spacing, size, and shot creation — attributes the Lakers have lacked on the perimeter.
Jones, however, has long been viewed internally as the more realistic and cleaner fit for Los Angeles.
A low-usage, defense-first wing, Jones complements a top-heavy Lakers roster led by Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James, who continues to perform at an elite level at age 41.
Herb Jones’ Contract, Defense Make Him Ideal Fit
Jones’ appeal goes beyond on-court fit. His contract is among the most team-friendly in the league.
The 27-year-old signed a three-year, $68 million extension in July 2025 that runs through the 2028–29 season, with a player option for 2029–30 — a five-year, $97 million total commitment. His $13.9 million salary this season places him firmly in the “elite value” category.
While his offensive numbers are modest — 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game — Jones’ defensive metrics are elite.
Jones ranks top five in steals per game (1.6) while Crafted NBA lists him in the 94th percentile in deflections and 95th percentile in turnovers forced.
At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot wingspan and a career 36.0% three-point shooter, Jones checks nearly every box contenders seek.
Lakers’ Defensive Struggles Heighten Urgency
The urgency is clear. Despite boasting one of the league’s most efficient offenses, the Lakers currently rank 25th in defensive efficiency.
A wing defender capable of guarding elite scorers and disrupting passing lanes was seen as the missing piece. That door now appears shut — at least for this trade cycle.
Even if New Orleans were to soften its stance, it remains highly unlikely the Lakers could assemble a competitive offer.
Limited Draft Capital Hampers Lakers at Deadline
Los Angeles has only one tradable first-round pick available (2031 or 2032) and a limited pool of young assets led by Dalton Knecht, whose trade value has plummeted, along with expiring contracts.
Earlier this month, The Athletic’s Dan Woike explained why the Lakers are unlikely to part with that lone pick.
“If we’re speaking in a technical sense, the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick is probably their most valuable trade asset,” Woike wrote. “However, trading that pick would lock the team’s ability to trade the 2031 pick now and the 2033 pick this summer. So, yeah, the 2032 pick probably isn’t going anywhere.”
League executives believe the Lakers are positioning themselves for a more significant move in the 2026 offseason, when Giannis Antetokounmpo could become available.
Marcus Smart Emerges as Stopgap Defensive Anchor
Marcus Smart, Lakers
GettyMarcus Smart of the Los Angeles Lakers dives for a loose ball.
With a wing upgrade elusive, the Lakers have leaned heavily on Marcus Smart, the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
The 31-year-old’s toughness was on full display during a gritty 116–110 road win over the Dallas Mavericks, when Smart dislocated a finger he previously had surgically repaired — then popped it back into place himself to stay in the game.
“My finger popped out again, so I had to put it back in,” Smart told reporters. “It was the one I had surgically [repaired], so it was a little scary. But I’ll be all right.”
Smart laughed as he recalled the moment.
“I didn’t want to come out of the game,” he said. “It’s part of the game. It’s who I am.”
Smart’s Impact Goes Beyond Toughness
The play occurred as Smart jumped a passing lane against Cooper Flagg, deflecting the ball in transition — a signature defensive read that defines his game.
When Smart was the primary defender, Flagg attempted just one field goal. Naji Marshall and Max Christie combined to shoot 2-for-6 against him, while Smart contested eight shots overall.
In Monday’s 129–118 win in Chicago, Smart again delivered, scoring 12 points on 3-of-6 shooting while posting a plus-5 rating.
Lakers May Be Better Served Waiting for Summer
With top wing targets unavailable and limited draft capital at their disposal, league insiders increasingly believe the Lakers may be better served preserving assets for a larger offseason move.
If Smart remains healthy, Los Angeles can continue leaning on his defense and toughness — while keeping its powder dry for a summer swing that reshapes the roster more dramatically.