The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to revisit their pursuit of Herbert “Herb” Jones this offseason after reportedly targeting the New Orleans Pelicans forward before the trade deadline, according to NBA insider Evan Sidery.
Sidery reported Friday that the Lakers are “zeroing in” on Jones as a summer trade target after previously making a push for the 27-year-old wing during the season. He added that a potential salary-matching framework could center around Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and draft compensation.
The report comes weeks after the Lakers’ 2025-26 season ended in a second-round sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a series that highlighted roster issues around perimeter defense and lineup versatility despite a 53-29 regular season and Pacific Division title.
Jones would address a clear need for Los Angeles. The Lakers leaned heavily on offense built around Luka Doncic, who averaged 33.5 points and 8.3 assists in 64 games, while Austin Reaves added 23.3 points per game and LeBron James remained productive at age 41 with 20.9 points and 7.2 assists.
The Pelicans forward has built his value as one of the NBA’s more versatile wing defenders. Although his offensive numbers dipped during the 2025-26 campaign, he still provided lineup flexibility for a New Orleans team that finished 26-56 and missed the postseason.
In 56 games, Jones averaged 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 38.3% from the field and 30.9% from three-point range. His offensive production was modest, but his defensive impact and ability to guard multiple positions remain central to his value.
A package involving Vanderbilt and Knecht would also reflect basketball logic on both sides. Vanderbilt provides defensive energy and rebounding, while Knecht offers shooting upside after averaging 4.2 points in limited minutes as a reserve. Draft capital could become the deciding factor if New Orleans chooses to reshape its roster after finishing 11th in the Western Conference.
The financial side also makes Jones a notable offseason storyline. He is entering the final season of his four-year, $54 million contract, but already has a three-year, $68 million extension in place that includes a player option in the final season.
