Lakers’ inquiries about Herb Jones met with firm “no” from Pelicans
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The Los Angeles Lakers have been gauging options to shore up their perimeter defense ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, but New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones is not on the table, according to league sources cited by The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
Jones, a 2024 First Team All-Defense selection, has often been mentioned as an ideal fit alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Despite the Pelicans’ league-worst record in the Western Conference, team officials reportedly have no interest in moving the third-year wing.
Even if New Orleans reconsidered its stance, executives told The Athletic that Los Angeles lacks the draft capital to spark serious negotiations. The Lakers can offer expiring contracts and only one tradable first-round pick—set for 2031—an asset viewed as less valuable with Dončić under contract long term.
Jones signed a three-year, $68 million extension in the offseason and cannot be traded before Jan. 14. Matching salaries would not be an obstacle for Los Angeles, but officials believe rival teams could easily outbid a package centered on distant draft compensation and middling player assets.
With the Lakers still searching for defensive upgrades, the front office may need to explore alternative targets while New Orleans keeps Jones in its plans.
Source: Lakers Nation
