The Los Angeles Lakers have recently had to postpone several games due to the Los Angeles wildfires, despite the players expressing their desire to play. Safety concerns have forced them to take this measure. The Lakers currently hold a record of 20 wins and 16 losses, ranking sixth in the Western Conference. Their performance this season is significantly better than last season, but they still have a long way to go before becoming serious contenders for the championship.
During the trade window period of the 2024-25 season, the Lakers made moves to bolster their title chances by trading away D'Angelo Russell and acquiring two 3D forwards, Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. However, their perimeter defense and offense still leave something to be desired. American media outlet "Fadeaway World" has suggested that the Lakers should make a four-for-one trade to acquire New Orleans Pelicans star Herbert Jones to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Herbert Jones
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Jared Vanderbilt, Skifino, 2029 first-round draft pick (LAL), 2025 second-round draft pick (LAC)
Are the Lakers preparing to build a small lineup with four big men, returning to the model of the 2019-20 season?
To compete for the championship, the Lakers must prepare themselves for the playoffs this season. Herbert Jones from the New Orleans Pelicans is a good candidate for reinforcement. So far in the 2024-25 season, he has averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks; with a field goal percentage of 43% and a three-point shooting percentage of 30%.
Despite his low shooting percentage, he has been one of the best defensive players on the team this season, averaging 1.9 steals and 0.5 blocks, which is the best proof. However, he has been plagued by shoulder injuries, which is one of the main reasons he has only played 20 games this season.
Herbert Jones was selected as the fifth pick in the second round of the 2021 draft. He is currently in his fourth season in the NBA and holds a contract worth 53.83millionoverfouryears.Hiscost−effectivenessisveryhigh,withanannualsalaryofonly12.98 million this season, and the contract has three seasons remaining, with an increase of only about $1 million each year, making it a great value for money.
Trading away injured Jared Vanderbilt and a young player, along with two future draft picks, in exchange for the 26-year-old Herbert Jones seems like a loss for the Lakers. Especially since they need to part with their high-value first-round pick in 2029, which they have been reluctant to trade. Acquiring Herbert Jones could help the Lakers strengthen their lineup with big men, reminiscent of the "one small, four big" lineup from the past.
For the New Orleans Pelicans, this season is destined for rebuilding. After playing nearly 40 games, the team's number of victories is still in the single digits. Moreover, with stars Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Dejounte Murray all suffering injuries in rotation, the team finds itself in an awkward position. Zion and Ingram were supposed to be key players for the team's future rise, but frequent injuries have led the Pelicans to consider trading them away and starting a complete rebuild.
Trading away Herbert Jones may be the first step in the Pelicans' rebuilding process. Jared Vanderbilt is not very attractive to the Pelicans due to his serious injury history, but the high-value first-round pick in 2029 has a different appeal. Therefore, for the Pelicans, trading away Herbert Jones is a sure win. Even if they were to send Ingram back to the Lakers now, they would be very willing, as they do not want to bear the burden of his large contract.