{"id":133361,"date":"2026-01-02T15:28:28","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T15:28:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=133361"},"modified":"2026-01-02T15:28:28","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T15:28:28","slug":"%e2%9a%a1-trade-scenario-heres-the-best-package-the-lakers-could-offer-new-orleans-for-herb-jones-and-trey-murphy-iii-these-potential-deals-might-change-the-western-conference-landscape-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=133361","title":{"rendered":"\u26a1 TRADE SCENARIO: Here\u2019s the best package the Lakers could offer New Orleans for Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III. These potential deals might change the Western Conference landscape forever. Are the Lakers ready to swing big? (J)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lakers Eye Defensive Reinforcements: What It Would Take to Acquire Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Lakers<\/strong> have long been known for their offensive firepower, but the 2025\u201126 season has exposed a glaring weakness: defense<\/strong>. For December alone, the Lakers ranked 29th in defensive rating<\/strong>, one of the lowest marks in the NBA, according to Khobi Price of the Southern California News Group<\/strong>. This vulnerability has not gone unnoticed, and the team has been linked to two high-profile targets in New Orleans Pelicans<\/strong> wings: Herb Jones<\/strong> and Trey Murphy III<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Both players offer distinct skill sets that could help the Lakers shore up their defense and, in Murphy\u2019s case, also boost their scoring. But pulling off a trade for either\u2014or both\u2014before the NBA trade deadline<\/strong> would require careful planning, creative roster moves, and the willingness to give up key assets.<\/p>\n

\n

Why the Lakers Are Targeting New Orleans Wings<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Los Angeles\u2019 defensive struggles this season have been well-documented. While the Lakers can compete offensively when Luka Doncic<\/strong>, LeBron James<\/strong>, and Anthony Davis<\/strong> are healthy, their perimeter defense has repeatedly failed to contain opposing wings, giving up open shots and late-game baskets.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    Herb Jones<\/strong> is widely regarded as one of the league\u2019s top defenders, capable of guarding multiple positions, disrupting passing lanes, and providing elite on-ball pressure.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Trey Murphy III<\/strong> pairs defensive versatility with offensive explosiveness<\/strong>, offering the Lakers a two-way threat who could complement Doncic and the team\u2019s existing scorers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    While both players would clearly improve Los Angeles\u2019 roster, the challenge is whether the Pelicans would even entertain a trade<\/strong> and if the Lakers have sufficient assets to meet New Orleans\u2019 asking price.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Potential Trade Scenario: Herb Jones<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    \"The<\/p>\n

    Among the two targets, Herb Jones<\/strong> has been most frequently linked to the Lakers. Acquiring Jones would address Los Angeles\u2019 defensive problems immediately, giving them a point-of-attack lockdown defender<\/strong> to disrupt opposing wings.<\/p>\n

    Projected Trade Cost for Jones<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Reports indicate that the Pelicans\u2019 asking price could start with multiple first-round picks<\/strong>. Given the Lakers\u2019 recent Luka Doncic trade<\/strong>, their stock of future first-round selections is limited. Furthermore, NBA rules, including the Stepien Rule<\/strong>, restrict how far into the future teams can trade first-round picks, making it challenging for Los Angeles to satisfy New Orleans entirely on draft assets alone.<\/p>\n

    To make a Jones deal work, the Lakers would likely need:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      Draft Picks:<\/strong> Either the 2031 or 2032 first-round pick<\/strong> would probably be included. Additional picks from a third team might be required to sweeten the deal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Players:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • \n

        Dalton Knecht<\/strong>, a second-year wing with potential upside, could be packaged as part of a rebuild-focused deal for New Orleans.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Expiring contracts<\/strong>, such as Gabe Vincent<\/strong> or Jarred Vanderbilt<\/strong>, would help match salary requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Adou Thiero<\/strong> could also be included, though as an all-defensive player he would be more valuable than a rookie in the trade.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        This combination of picks, potential, and expiring contracts represents a high but plausible cost<\/strong> to acquire an All-Defensive caliber wing like Jones.<\/p>\n

        \n

        Potential Trade Scenario: Trey Murphy III<\/strong><\/h2>\n

        While Herb Jones<\/strong> is a defensive anchor, Trey Murphy III<\/strong> offers the Lakers the potential to improve both defense and scoring<\/strong>. Murphy has demonstrated flashes of All-Star-level talent, providing versatility on offense<\/strong>, long-range shooting, and the ability to create off the bounce.<\/p>\n

        Projected Trade Cost for Murphy<\/strong><\/h3>\n

        Murphy\u2019s higher salary compared to Jones would necessitate a more intricate trade structure:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • \n

          Multiple first-round picks<\/strong> would likely need to be involved, similar to the Jones scenario, possibly requiring collaboration with another team to meet New Orleans\u2019 demands.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Expiring contracts<\/strong> from the Lakers\u2019 roster\u2014likely two among Vincent, Vanderbilt, or Maxi Kleber<\/strong>\u2014would be included to match salary.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Players:<\/strong> Both Knecht and Thiero<\/strong> would likely need to be packaged, representing the Lakers\u2019 willingness to give up future potential for a more immediate impact.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Murphy\u2019s upside could justify the price if the Lakers view him as a secondary scoring option alongside Doncic<\/strong>, capable of improving both their offense and defense in preparation for the playoffs.<\/p>\n

          \n

          Trade Deadline Considerations<\/strong><\/h2>\n

          \"Sources:<\/p>\n

          The Lakers face a critical trade deadline strategy<\/strong> this season. Their roster, even at full health, is not championship-caliber defensively<\/strong>. While they can outscore opponents in the regular season, playoff basketball emphasizes stopping star wings and making defensive stops\u2014areas where Los Angeles has struggled.<\/p>\n

          Despite the desire to acquire Jones or Murphy, the Lakers\u2019 current assets are limited<\/strong>, which poses a major challenge:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • \n

            They lack sufficient high-value first-round picks<\/strong> to satisfy New Orleans entirely.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Many of their tradeable players are young or defensive-minded<\/strong>, which the Pelicans may prefer to retain for rebuilding.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Salary-matching requirements<\/strong> further complicate potential trades, particularly for Murphy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            That said, the Lakers are likely to monitor developments closely<\/strong>. If New Orleans signals a willingness to engage in talks or the market for defensive wings becomes more competitive, Los Angeles could make a move to jump into the Jones or Murphy sweepstakes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

            \n

            Strategic Implications for the Lakers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

            Acquiring either player would represent a major step toward immediate competitiveness<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • \n

              Herb Jones:<\/strong> Instantly transforms perimeter defense, giving LeBron and Davis more support and reducing the defensive burden on Doncic.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Trey Murphy III:<\/strong> Adds scoring depth and defensive versatility, creating a more balanced roster capable of playoff runs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              However, both scenarios require sacrificing future assets or young talent<\/strong>, representing a classic \u201cwin-now vs. rebuild\u201d trade-off. The Lakers will need to balance the short-term goal of improving their playoff chances with the long-term impact on roster flexibility.<\/p>\n

              \n

              Conclusion: Monitoring the Market<\/strong><\/h2>\n

              As the NBA trade deadline<\/strong> approaches, the Lakers\u2019 pursuit of Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III<\/strong> will be a storyline to watch. While neither trade is guaranteed, both are feasible with creative solutions<\/strong> involving picks, expiring contracts, and player packages.<\/p>\n

              Ultimately, the Lakers\u2019 front office must weigh the immediate defensive improvement<\/strong> against the cost in future assets and roster flexibility<\/strong>. With playoff contention on the line, one thing is certain: Los Angeles will need to be aggressive, strategic, and nimble<\/strong> if they hope to address their defensive shortcomings and make a serious run in 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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