The 2025-26 NBA season is starting to seem like a foregone conclusion. The Oklahoma City Thunder have started the year with a 21-1 record, and they look unstoppable. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors had high hopes for the season, but they need defensive reinforcements.

The Lakers are second in the Western Conference, but an abysmal 18th in defensive rating. The Warriors are in the Top 10, but desperately need some athleticism and consistency. And as per the latest reports, both teams have identified New Orleans Pelicans star Herb Jones as the answer to their problems.

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“The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are among a handful of Western Conference contenders actively exploring ways to acquire Jones,” reads a report by ClutchPoints, as per information from NBA insider Brett Siegel.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The 27-year-old Jones is one of the league’s premier defensive talents. During the 2023-24 season, Jones finished 5th in DPOY voting and was named to the All-Defensive First Team. The Pelicans have been atrocious to start the season, so a move seems quite likely for him, too.

Adding Jones could change everything for the Lakers; it could elevate them to contender status. The Warriors have bigger problems than just defense, but Jones would still be a huge acquisition. If a move should happen, though, it’s likelier to be closer to the trade deadline.

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