The final piece for the championship puzzle? Reports reveal Lakers will aggressively pursue Jones; analyst shares a 3-for-1 trade proposal

On December 11th Beijing time, NBA reporter Sidery stated that if the Pelicans, with their current 3-22 record, start a formal sell-off, the Lakers will pursue Herbert Jones in the trade market. Following their offseason pursuit of Wiggins, the Lakers are now planning to use expiring deals and future draft assets to aggressively chase Jones.

In the highly competitive Western Conference, the Lakers currently hold the second spot in the standings. Despite a strong start, it is clear that the Lakers still need to complete one or two trades to truly compete with top-tier teams like the Thunder.

The Lakers’ early-season moves have been commendable, but the team still has a glaring weakness: perimeter defense. Even with a solid overall start, the Lakers lack a true lockdown defender capable of consistently disrupting opposing guards and wing players. As the front office explores ways to address this gap, one name has surfaced far more frequently than others — Pelicans forward Herbert Jones.

The 27-year-old Jones has been repeatedly linked to the Lakers in recent weeks. With elite defensive instincts, excellent wingspan, and versatile defensive skills, he is widely regarded across the league as the missing piece for the Lakers’ championship aspirations. His ability to guard multiple positions at a high level is exactly the type of player the Lakers have been seeking to strengthen their defense. Jones’s playing style is highly coveted by many teams, especially by the Lakers, who aim to significantly upgrade their defensive lineup.

Acquiring a versatile defensive player of Jones’s caliber would instantly balance the Lakers’ rotation, providing a reliable defensive anchor and addressing some roster deficiencies. With the Pelicans in a difficult position, the Lakers have a prime opportunity to present a compelling trade offer.

So what kind of offer could persuade the Pelicans? Analyst Bill Simmons suggested on his podcast: “Offer Knecht, Kleber, plus a 2031 first-round pick,” Simmons recommended, “That’s the deal.”

This season, Jones has appeared in 17 games for the Pelicans, averaging 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Do you think the Lakers have a chance to acquire Jones? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.