NBA Rumors: The Piece the Lakers Want to Help Luka Doncic
Herb Jones is one of the most sought-after players in the league, due to his great ability to defend and score from beyond the 3-point line.
The 2026 offseason presents itself as one of the most important in recent years for Los Angeles Lakers. The decisions made by the franchise will determine their real options to compete for the NBA title in the long term, with Luka Doncic being one of the central pieces of their project.
Herbert Jones, the target to strengthen the defense
Beyond renewing Austin Reaves with a maximum contract and trying to continue having LeBron James, the Lakers will prioritize finding the right complements for Doncic. Specifically, the franchise needs to secure the addition of very versatile outside defenders.
In this context, NBA journalist Evan Sidery has proposed an interesting trade that would allow Los Angeles to acquire Herbert Jones. The player from the New Orleans Pelicans would join the Lakers along with Yves Missi.
In exchange, New Orleans would receive Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, the number 25 pick in the upcoming draft, and the Lakers' first-round pick in 2031.
Jones has long been a target for the Los Angeles franchise, which has been linked to the Pelicans' forward throughout the 2025-26 season.
The Pelicans do not want to part with Jones
The main obstacle for this operation to become a reality is New Orleans' stance. The Pelicans have remained firm in their refusal to trade Jones, a position that could persist throughout the entire offseason.
During the 2025-26 season, Jones played 56 games and averaged 28.36 minutes, 8.86 points, 3.41 rebounds, 2.77 assists, 1.57 steals, and 0.48 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 43.07%.
His defensive profile and versatility are precisely the attributes that keep the Lakers interested in him as a complementary piece for Doncic.
Pelinka, compelled to seek solutions
Regardless of whether this specific proposal turns into reality or not, Rob Pelinka will have to do everything possible to find the necessary operations that allow the Lakers to make a competitive leap.
The goal is clear: to surround Luka Doncic with the pieces he needs so that Los Angeles can enter, starting next season, the conversation as one of the true title contenders.
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