One of the biggest struggles for the Los Angeles Lakers over the last couple of years has been their defense. Too often, their defensive shortcomings have prevented an otherwise strong offense from finding success.
Coming into this season, one of the team's main goals was to improve defensively. Over the summer, LA added several players known for their defensive abilities.
“The Lakers finished 20th in defensive rating last season. This season, they believe Kessler, as well as the wings they collected, including Quentin Grimes, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle and Collin Sexton, can provide active, disruptive on-ball pressure and length on the perimeter,” SI’s Ricardo Sandoval wrote.
If the Lakers want to continue prioritizing defense, the trade market could provide another opportunity to strengthen the roster. Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale believes Los Angeles could pursue a trade for Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr.
“Derrick Jones Jr. and Day'Ron Sharpe are more realistic for what L.A. can offer. Going on 30 this February, Jones remains athletic enough to check tough defensive assignments and get up and down the floor. He tends to hit juuust enough of his wide-open threes to remain in a playoff rotation,” Favale wrote.
Jones isn't officially on the trade block, but a move remains a possibility. ClutchPoints’ Tomar Azarly reported during the summer that the two sides could work together to find a suitable destination for a player seeking a change.
“I think sometimes agents see different opportunities around the league to play more, make more money, contend for a championship, potentially, so that could also weigh into it," said Azarly. "If they see a better opportunity elsewhere, they'll approach the Clippers, and the Clippers, in good faith, will try to get them where they want to go."
Acquiring Jones would fit the mold the Lakers are trying to establish with their current roster and future plans. With defense becoming a greater priority, adding another athletic wing who can handle difficult defensive assignments could help Los Angeles address a major weakness.
Jones is currently on a $30 million deal with the Clippers. He also offers enough shooting from beyond the arc to contribute offensively. If the Lakers can find a way to acquire him, he could be a valuable addition to the purple and gold.
