NBA Trade Rumors: Big Update in Lakers' Pursuit of Herbert Jones as Need For Premium Defender Intensifies

Talk around the LA Lakers’ pursuit of New Orleans Pelicans wing Herbert Jones has continued to build, as the team’s defensive struggles -- its most glaring weakness -- have worsened throughout December.

Entering their Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets, the Lakers sit at 4-5 for the month, posting a 123.6 defensive rating that ranks third-worst in the NBA during that span. They also carry a minus-8.1 net rating, which likewise stands as the third-worst mark in the league.

Lakers fans may have reason for optimism, as Playoff Sports Network founder Jake Samuel reported that the Lakers and Pelicans are “aggressively” engaged in trade talks centered around Jones.

“The Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans are AGGRESSIVELY engaged in trade discussions regarding defensive player Herbert Jones, sources tell me,” he reported on X.

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Throughout December, the Lakers have surrendered 121.7 points per game, the sixth-highest average in the league and the worst among teams currently positioned in the playoff race.

LA does possess potential trade assets for Jones, who is averaging 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals while playing a career-low 28.0 minutes per game for a Pelicans team that has found its rhythm.

A possible framework could involve sending sophomore Dalton Knecht alongside expiring guard Gabe Vincent to New Orleans to help match salaries, with draft compensation also included.

However, The Athletic’s Dan Woike has reported that New Orleans is not inclined to move Jones, and that the Lakers’ potential offer may not be enough to change that stance.

Jones is also ineligible to be traded until January.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne also dampens Herbert Jones-to-Lakers rumors

ESPN reporter Ramona Shelburne further cooled speculation linking Herbert Jones to the Lakers, noting that the Pelicans would only consider moving him for a substantial return.

“I don’t think the Pelicans are thinking about trading Herb Jones or Trey Murphy,” she said on “Mason & Ireland” (per ClutchPoints). “I don’t think they’re thinking about trading any of those guys because unless you blow them away with an offer. Because they owe their first round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. And whatever they can do to not be the worst team in the league right now is important.”

The Pelicans have been one of the NBA’s hottest teams lately, winning five of their last six games.

Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro