Lakers Target Two Pelicans Wings to Fix Biggest Roster Flaw

If the Los Angeles Lakers are serious about turning a strong season into a legitimate championship run, one roster weakness stands above all others.

They need an athletic 3-and-D wing.

Defense on the perimeter, speed, size, and reliable three-point shooting have all been missing at critical moments — and the front office knows it.

That’s why two names from the New Orleans Pelicans are now firmly on the Lakers’ radar.

📞 Lakers Have Already Made the Call

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Lakers have already reached out to New Orleans to inquire about two specific players:

👉 Herb Jones

👉 Trey Murphy III

Haynes revealed the information during a recent appearance on The Kevin O’Connor Show, noting that both the Lakers and Golden State Warriors have contacted the Pelicans regarding those players.

The interest is very real — and it makes complete sense.

🛡️ Herb Jones: Defensive Chaos on the Perimeter

Herb Jones is widely considered one of the most disruptive perimeter defenders in the NBA.

With long arms, elite lateral movement, and strong instincts, Jones can comfortably defend:

• Quick guards
• Physical wings
• Multiple positions across the floor

Offensively, he remains inconsistent. His three-point shooting has fluctuated season to season, and this year he sits around 33.8% from deep — acceptable, but not elite for a true 3-and-D specialist.

Still, his defensive impact, versatility, and basketball IQ make him a natural fit for a Lakers team that struggles to contain fast, aggressive perimeter creators.

🚀 Trey Murphy III: The Swing-for-the-Fences Option

If Herb Jones is the realistic target, Trey Murphy III is the dream.

Murphy has developed into one of the most valuable young wings in the Western Conference — athletic, powerful, and deadly from beyond the arc. Over the past two seasons, he’s consistently hovered around 40% from three, while also providing:

• Explosiveness attacking closeouts
• Transition scoring
• Size and length on defense

Many around the league view Murphy as the Pelicans’ second-best player, behind only Zion Williamson.

That’s exactly why acquiring him would be incredibly difficult.

💰 The Cost Problem — Especially With Murphy

New Orleans understands Murphy’s value.

Any trade involving him would almost certainly require:

• Multiple first-round picks
• Young players from the Lakers’ roster
• Significant salary matching

Names like Dalton Knecht, Jalen Hood-Schifino, or Maxwell Lewis could be required just to start the conversation.

Possible? Yes.

Likely? Not unless the Lakers go all-in.

📉 Why the Lakers Need This Type of Player So Badly

The numbers paint a clear picture of the problem:

• 18th in points allowed per game (116.8)
• Among the worst teams in transition defense
• Below-average defense against opponent three-point shooting
• Just +1.5 net point differential, middle of the league

Even with LeBron James and Luka Dončić carrying the offense, the lack of speed and defensive versatility on the wing repeatedly shows up against younger, faster teams like the Thunder, Kings, Spurs, and Timberwolves.

⏳ Timing Matters

The Lakers’ interest is confirmed — but the market is only now opening up.

With most players becoming trade-eligible after December 15 and the February 5 trade deadline approaching, the coming weeks will determine how aggressive Rob Pelinka and the front office are willing to be.

A deal for Herb Jones feels plausible.

A deal for Trey Murphy III would be bold, expensive, and franchise-shaping.

⚖️ The Big Question

The Lakers are staring at a familiar crossroads:

• Do they make a realistic upgrade that raises the team’s floor?
• Or gamble everything for a home-run move that could redefine the roster?

Either way, one truth is unavoidable:

If the Lakers want to maximize the LeBron–Luka window, an athletic 3-and-D wing isn’t optional — it’s essential.