The Los Angeles Lakers’ recurring issue in nearly every loss this season has been clear: they continue to get beaten by more athletic backcourts, exposing one of the roster’s most glaring flaws — a lack of reliable perimeter defense.

As the trade deadline approaches, one of the Lakers’ top priorities is to acquire a playable 3-and-D wing, someone who can contain dribble penetration, guard elite scorers, and space the floor without compromising the offense. Their internal evaluations and league conversations have centered heavily on players who fit this archetype.

The Lakers have been linked to multiple options, including Miami’s Andrew Wiggins and New Orleans’ rising defensive standouts Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. But landing any of them appears increasingly unlikely.

Pelicans Holding Massive Asking Price for Herb Jones, Trey Murphy

GettyTrey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans celebrates a basket with Herbert Jones.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that there is “considerable curiosity leaguewide” about whether the Pelicans would entertain trade calls on Jones or Murphy. But those hopes were immediately tempered.

Stein noted that New Orleans has set an extremely high price point designed to discourage inquiries. Both players are ascending wings on favorable contracts — exactly the types of assets contending teams refuse to move unless overwhelmed.

The Athletic’s Dan Woike reinforced that belief, writing that the Pelicans are “not interested in moving Jones,” and that the Lakers’ limited draft capital — only one tradeable first-round pick (2030 or 2031) — makes a deal nearly impossible.

“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 wrote.

He added that New Orleans’ stance could shift by the Feb. 5 deadline, but it would take “a whole lot” to convince the franchise to trade an All-Defensive wing to a conference rival.

Redick Blunt About Lakers’ Defense After Loss to Spurs

Head coach JJ Redick did not sugarcoat his team’s repeated breakdowns on transition defense after their 132–119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

“Very few teams don’t have something that you can expose,” Redick said. “And we typically, consistently, got exposed (for) the same things.”

Among NBA teams with at least 15 wins, the Lakers own the worst defensive rating, allowing 116.7 points per 100 possessions — 21st overall in the league. For a franchise with championship aspirations, those numbers are alarming.

“I think being able to contain the basketball is probably the most difficult thing for our team right now,” Redick added.

That weakness was on full display against San Antonio, where the backcourt trio of Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De’Aaron Fox combined to shoot 24-for-43. Castle poured in 30 points, attacked the rim freely, and attempted nine free throws, while he and Fox hit a combined seven three-pointers.

Lakers star Austin Reaves, who had struggled against more athletic guards, echoed Redick’s assessment of the team.

“That’s a weakness we’ve got to get better at,” Reaves said. “The spirit is still high in here. We know we can do it. But we have to be a group that guards with five people.”

Rich Paul Questions Lakers’ Ceiling Without More Athleticism

The defensive struggles have been a concern for months. Rich Paul, LeBron James’ agent, foreshadowed their issues on the debut episode of The Ringer’s Game Over With Max Kellerman and Rich Paul.

“I personally don’t think the Lakers are good enough to be contenders, not right now,” Paul said, identifying a lack of athleticism needed to keep up with Western Conference giants such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets.

Asked to clarify, Paul emphasized that reaching the Western Conference Finals would be difficult with the current roster.

Lakers’ Limited Draft Capital Creates Harsh Market Reality

Even if team president and general manager Rob Pelinka is willing to put his sole tradeable first-round pick on the table, the Lakers are learning a harsh truth:

Yesterday’s price is not today’s price.

With contenders paying premium rates for two-way wings, the Lakers face a steep climb to upgrade their roster before the deadline — and their top targets may simply be out of reach.