Lakers Need Herb Jones For Luka Doncic And LeBron James

The Lakers are eyeing New Orleans defender Herb Jones as a trade target as the Pelicans are reportedly "starting to listen and at least show some willingness to listen" on Jones and Trey Murphy III. Los Angeles brings a top six offense but only a 21st ranked defense, so a true perimeter stopper could be the missing piece. Jones would be cheaper than Murphy and would address the Lakers most glaring shortcoming. Merlin sees Jones as a rare glue defender with length, strength, energy, on ball pest and off ball instincts. He would not single handedly "fix" the defense, but among realistic options he offers the biggest immediate impact. The cost matter looms, yet if the Lakers believe they are one stopper away they must pursue him hard.