The Los Angeles Lakers continue to flirt with the idea of bolstering their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA trade deadline, with a focus on perimeter defense and versatile wings. After a narrow road win over the Phoenix Suns, the team sits at 18-7, but questions remain about whether their current roster can survive the postseason grind without a reliable 3-and-D presence.
Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!
The Lakers’ Defensive Gap
Los Angeles has long lacked a true perimeter stopper capable of guarding elite wings while contributing offensively. NBA insider Marc Stein recently highlighted the team’s desire to target players in the same age range as stars Luka Dončić (26) and Austin Reaves (27), emphasizing that the Lakers want to build around their core rather than sacrificing prime assets for older veterans.
“…my read on the Lakers’ preferences is that they would like to target players in the same age range as stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves as they continue building out the roster around them as opposed to surrendering prime trade assets for thirtysomethings,” Stein wrote on his Substack.
The Herb Jones Connection
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
New Orleans Pelicans wing Herb Jones has emerged as a top candidate for the Lakers’ trade ambitions, though insiders suggest he may be out of reach financially. Jones, an All-Defensive forward who signed a three-year, $68 million extension this offseason, is averaging 9.6 points and 1.5 steals per game in 2025-26. His ability to shoot from three (1.4 per game) while anchoring defensive assignments makes him an ideal fit alongside LeBron James, Reaves, and Doncic.
Chris Haynes confirmed that the Lakers have already opened lines of communication with New Orleans regarding Jones. Still, according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, the Pelicans are likely seeking a larger package than Los Angeles is prepared to offer, with potential trade compensation including expiring contracts and a first-round pick.
“Considering what LA would have to offer in a deal, expiring contracts and a single first-round pick, the Pelicans almost certainly wouldn’t engage at that price point,” Woike reported.
A recent encounter between Jones and a fan at the United Center highlighted the surreal nature of modern trade speculation. As Jones exited the court after the Pelicans’ 114-104 win over the Chicago Bulls, a fan yelled, “Herb Jones, you’re a Laker, my boy,” prompting a confused reaction from the Pelicans forward.
Gotta have the Latest from LA + LUKA Mind-meld
Lakers Trade Rumors: Alternative 3-and-D Targets
Mike Watters-Imagn Images
With Jones potentially out of reach, the Lakers are exploring other options. Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis, Miami Heat wing Andrew Wiggins, Memphis Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, Toronto Raptors wing Ochai Agbaji, and Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall all figure into discussions.
Keon Ellis (Sacramento): Low-usage, high-impact guard who thrives in limited minutes. Makes $2.3 million; the Lakers could acquire him for Jaxson Hayes and a 2032 second-round pick.
Andrew Wiggins (Miami): Two-way wing putting up 16.9 points per game, capable of guarding multiple positions. Potential trade package: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 first-round pick.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Memphis): Proven defensive presence, role-player scoring and spacing. Trade package: Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, 2028 first-round pick.
Jonathan Isaac (Orlando): Defensive specialist with limited minutes but high upside; Lakers would also receive 20-year-old wing Noah Penda. Trade package includes Jake LaRavia, Gabe Vincent, 2026 first-round pick.
Ochai Agbaji (Toronto): Buy-low candidate with 35.5% career three-point shooting, fits cleanly into a perimeter rotation. Lakers could trade Jake LaRavia and a 2026 first-round pick.
Naji Marshall (Dallas): Versatile 3-and-D wing putting up 12.7 points and 4.8 rebounds; trade package: Jake LaRavia, Jaxson Hayes, 2032 second-round pick.
Stein emphasized the Lakers’ goal of acquiring wings capable of defending multiple positions without requiring the ball in their hands, a priority that becomes more pressing with the playoffs approaching.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s YouTube Channel
Building a Contender
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
While Los Angeles has found ways to win this season, their defense remains a notable vulnerability, ranking 21st in defensive rating. The Lakers’ trade strategy reflects an effort to complement their core stars with wings who can survive playoff rotations and provide reliable 3-and-D production.
If the Lakers land a player like Herb Jones, they would secure a marquee upgrade, but even lesser-known targets like Ellis or Marshall offer tangible defensive upgrades that fit within the team’s age and salary parameters. The coming weeks will reveal whether Los Angeles can execute a trade that transforms its perimeter defense into a legitimate playoff asset.