The Los Angeles Lakers are in the middle of the Western Conference Playoff battle with a 20-16 record and the No. 6 seed. Staying in the top six will be a massive priority for the Lakers, as they’ll hope to avoid a fourth Play-In appearance in five seasons. However, the team isn’t good enough on paper to be considered a major contender in an action-packed Western Conference this season.
The Lakers have made intelligent moves such as acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith to improve the squad’s defense and spacing, but that shouldn’t be the last move. The Lakers need a more immediate upgrade on their roster, which could be had with a massive offer for All-Defensive First Team selection Herb Jones from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Herb Jones
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
We know the Dallas Mavericks are also interested in Jones, so the Lakers will have to beat their offer, similar to what they did with the Memphis Grizzlies for Finney-Smith. This deal offers up a high-value young player who’s an ace defender, a first-round project, and a future first-round pick in an offer that’s hard to refuse.
The Lakers Make Themselves Playoff-Ready
The Los Angeles Lakers are after one thing and that’s a successful Playoff run. They need to be good enough to qualify for the Playoffs and then have the strength to defeat individual teams in tactical seven-game matchups. This is not easy, especially with the squad the Lakers have this season.
JJ Redick’s coaching has kept them good enough, but their struggles against other good-performing teams this season show they can’t be considered real Playoff threats with their current roster.
Herb Jones is averaging 10.3 points and 3.9 rebounds this season. While he suffered a shoulder injury that could sideline him for months, this deal greatly improves the long-term prospect of the Lakers remaining successful in the post-LeBron James era.
He’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, solving JJ Redick’s struggle to find an elite POA defender while also adding a competent shooter. This better equips them to take on the big hitters in the West, with Jones being a fantastic defensive option for perimeter shot-creators such as Luka Doncic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Pelicans Consolidate Future Assets
The Pelicans have had a nightmarish season due to injuries and need to re-analyze the future of the franchise after an 8-31 record. They’re bound to be one of the worst teams in the NBA despite intending to be competitive this season. With the team keeping an eye on the future, it would make sense for them to retain Jones. However, this offer could further boost their rebuild.
Jarred Vanderbilt is yet to play this season but proved his value as one of the best defenders in the NBA before his injury issues. He was locking up players across all five positions as a 6’8″ forward, providing great promise as an ace defensive prospect if his talents are nurtured. He’d be a good future fit for the franchise but will be a project as they look to improve his offense as well.
Jalen Hood-Schifino has barely played for the Lakers but could be a great future prospect still as a tall combo guard. The Pelicans have room to groom long-term replacements for the 33-year-old CJ McCollum, with Schifino being in line for that if he can live up to the potential that saw him go No. 17 in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The first-round pick is arguably one of the most valuable in the NBA, so the Pelicans would be pleased with this return.
Defense Wins Championships
The Lakers have an expedited timeline for championship contention, with the next season being their absolute final shot at winning one more with LeBron James. The holes in the rotation can’t all be plugged with mid-season trades, but acquiring Jones indicates great future planning for the Lakers. They can make additional moves this season or in the summer to be genuine contenders for two more seasons.
Jones’ skill set is required on any championship contender, and the Lakers would put a massive spotlight on someone who’s been one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA for the last three seasons. He’s still on an affordable contract, so the Lakers will have room to add more pieces around him.
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