The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking perimeter defensive help ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline but face limited options and competition from other teams, according to team and league sources. The Lakers allowed 78 first-half points to Utah on Thursday, highlighting their defensive struggles despite a high-powered offense. The Lakers rank 21st in defensive efficiency, which trails all rival teams currently in the top-eight in either conference standings.
JJ Redick outlined the team’s needs earlier this week, stating role players must “defend and shoot 3s” to complement Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James. However, teams across the league are pursuing the same profile of player.
“There aren’t a lot of ’em,” said one Eastern Conference executive. “And everyone wants one.”
The New Orleans Pelicans have signaled to interested teams they are not entertaining Herb Jones trades at any cost the Lakers can meet, according to team and league sources. Los Angeles could offer one unprotected first-round pick and matching salary once Jones becomes trade-eligible in January.
The Pelicans’ front office signed Jones to a three-year, $68 million contract extension this past offseason. Players of Jones’ caliber typically require a combination of quality draft capital and young players. Jones’ annual average value of $22.5 million is less than the likes of Cameron Johnson and Jonathan Kuminga
Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings could be traded before the deadline as he enters free agency this summer. League sources believe the Kings’ current asking price is a protected first-round pick.
“He’s maybe the most divisive player in the league,” one league source said, noting universal scout approval but limited playing time under two consecutive coaching staffs.
Ellis shoots 42 percent from 3-point range for his career but faces questions about his defensive consistency. Some evaluators view him as better at creating turnovers than slowing down opponents, while others have concerns about his size against bigger guards.
The Lakers held internal discussions about Andrew Wiggins earlier this summer and could revisit those talks. LA Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr., who previously played alongside Doncic with the Dallas Mavericks, represents another option worth monitoring.
Terrance Mann of the Brooklyn Nets, Josh Green of the Charlotte Hornets, and Ayo Dosunmu of the Chicago Bulls were mentioned by rival scouts and executives as potential fits. The Bulls have held Dosunmu in high esteem and would likely seek significant return value.
The Lakers possess one tradeable first-round pick and one second-round pick. League-wide lack of interest in their recent draft selections limits their flexibility in potential deals.