Lakers Eye Herb Jones as Pelicans Face Roster Uncertainty

Pelicans may look to trade defensive standout Herb Jones, with Lakers emerging as a potential landing spot.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:20pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the overlapping movements and defensive actions of basketball players, with their forms broken down into sharp, angular shapes and planes, capturing the energy and intensity of the game.A cubist interpretation of the defensive intensity between the Lakers and Pelicans, as the two teams explore a potential trade for Herb Jones.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Pelicans' season has ended, leaving them with major questions about their roster, particularly regarding forward Herb Jones. Jones, once an All-Defensive First Team selection, has seen his offensive production decline over the past two seasons, raising concerns about his fit alongside star Zion Williamson. As the Pelicans evaluate their next steps, Jones has emerged as a prime trade candidate, with the Los Angeles Lakers emerging as a logical landing spot for the defensive specialist.

Why it matters

Jones' defensive value remains high, but his offensive regression has become a concern for the Pelicans as they try to build the optimal roster around Williamson. The Lakers, meanwhile, are looking to bolster their defensive identity and could see Jones as a perfect fit to complement their offensive stars like Luka Doncic. A trade involving Jones could have significant implications for both teams' futures.

The details

Over the last two seasons, Jones has shot just 30.6% and 30.9% from beyond the arc, while finishing below 40% from the field. This offensive drop-off has become an issue for the Pelicans, as it has turned Jones into a liability when he and Williamson are on the floor together. At the same time, Jones' defensive impact, while still strong, has shown slight regression, and injuries have limited his availability. The Pelicans now face a critical decision on Jones, as they must weigh his defensive value against his offensive limitations.

  • Jones is set to begin a three-year, $67.6 million extension in 2027-28.
  • Jones earned All-Defensive First Team honors and finished top-five in Defensive Player of the Year voting during the 2023-24 season.

The players

Herb Jones

A 27-year-old forward who has emerged as one of the NBA's premier perimeter defenders, but has seen his offensive production decline over the past two seasons.

Zion Williamson

The star forward of the New Orleans Pelicans, whose need for floor spacing has become a concern as Jones' offensive struggles have continued.

Luka Doncic

The offensive engine of the Los Angeles Lakers, who the team is looking to build a defensive infrastructure around.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers guard who is expected to return and help the team stabilize their perimeter rotations.

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What they’re saying

“Jones still holds league-wide value as a 27-year-old defensive specialist on a team-friendly deal. That window may not stay open long.”

— Jalon Dixon, Author

“He gives Los Angeles something it currently lacks, which is a true point-of-attack defender who can take on elite perimeter assignments nightly. That responsibility would immediately reduce the defensive burden on Doncic and allow the Lakers to stabilize their perimeter rotations.”

— Jalon Dixon, Author

What’s next

The Lakers and Pelicans will need to determine the value of Jones and negotiate a potential trade that works for both teams. The Pelicans will have to weigh Jones' defensive strengths against his offensive limitations, while the Lakers will need to assess how Jones' skillset would fit alongside their star players.

The takeaway

This potential trade involving Herb Jones highlights the difficult decisions facing the Pelicans as they look to build the optimal roster around Zion Williamson, as well as the Lakers' efforts to bolster their defensive identity around Luka Doncic. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams' futures.