The Los Angeles Lakers' trade deadline plans have just been dealt a major blow that could seriously impact their playoff hopes! Their pursuit of a top defensive player has hit a brick wall, leaving fans wondering: what's Plan B?
It appears the New Orleans Pelicans have shut the door on any potential deal involving Herbert Jones, a player the Lakers desperately coveted to bolster their defense. According to multiple insiders, the Pelicans have declared Jones, along with Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears, as "untouchable" ahead of the February 5th trade deadline. This news, first reported by Chris Haynes, effectively ends the Lakers' hopes of acquiring the All-Defensive wing this season.
But here's where it gets controversial... some analysts believe the Pelicans' stance is a negotiating tactic, a way to drive up the price for Jones if they were to eventually consider a trade. Is it possible the Lakers could still pry Jones away with the right offer? Or is this truly a dead end?
Reports suggest the Lakers' interest in Jones dates back to early December, but their initial inquiries were quickly rejected. The Athletic's Dan Woike reported that New Orleans showed no interest in a package centered around Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and a future first-round pick. Woike pointed out that the Pelicans likely wouldn't engage at such a price point, given what the Lakers had to offer. "Maybe the view of the Lakers’ assets or the Pelicans’ view of Jones will change between now and the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, but as of now, sources point out, New Orleans would need a whole lot to be convinced otherwise,” Woike stated, highlighting the uphill battle the Lakers faced.
And this is the part most people miss... the Lakers are limited in what they can offer. They only possess one tradable first-round pick until the offseason, severely hampering their ability to compete with other teams in trade negotiations. Even if the Pelicans were open to trading Jones, ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel suggests they would demand a minimum of two unprotected first-round picks, a price the Lakers simply cannot meet right now.
So, what's next for the Lakers? With Jones seemingly out of reach, they'll likely shift their focus to other potential trade targets. Names like Keon Ellis, Andrew Wiggins, and Daniel Gafford have been mentioned as possible alternatives.
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly asking for a first-round pick for Keon Ellis, a 3-and-D guard. However, Forbes' Evan Sidery reported that the Lakers are hesitant to part with their only first-rounder for a relatively unproven player like Ellis. This hesitancy raises a crucial question: are the Lakers undervaluing Ellis, or are they right to be cautious about sacrificing a valuable asset for a player who might not be a significant upgrade? The Lakers recently checked in with the Kings on Keon Ellis, but Sacramento is seeking at least a 1st-round pick for Ellis, who is viewed as a well above-average 3-and-D guard. Los Angeles is willing to include Dalton Knecht, but they currently only have one tradable pick in 2031."
Currently sitting as the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a 23-13 record, the Lakers are in a precarious position. A recent loss to the Milwaukee Bucks has tightened the standings, leaving them just one game ahead of the Phoenix Suns and dangerously close to falling into the play-in tournament. Acquiring a defensive-minded player like Jones could have been the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit.
Ultimately, the Lakers' inability to acquire Herbert Jones underscores the challenges they face in improving their roster before the trade deadline. With limited assets and a high asking price for potential targets, they'll need to be creative and strategic to make a meaningful upgrade.
What do you think the Lakers should do? Should they overpay for Keon Ellis, or should they hold onto their first-round pick and explore other options? Do you believe the Pelicans are truly unwilling to trade Herbert Jones, or is this just a negotiating tactic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
