LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3, 2026 — The Los Angeles Lakers have assembled one of the most terrifying offensive trios in NBA history, but as the trade deadline looms, a harsh reality has set in: you can’t outscore everyone forever.
With Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves sharing the floor, the Lakers possess an embarrassment of riches in playmaking and scoring. However, their perimeter defense has become a nightly layup line for opponents. Recognizing that the current core cannot guard the yard, General Manager Rob Pelinka is reportedly scouring the market for a defensive specialist to do the dirty work.
The “Big Three” Problem
The issue isn’t firepower; it’s friction. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the internal assessment is blunt: “When healthy, the odds of Dončić, Reaves and James providing an adequate line of defense on the perimeter are slim to none.”
In the playoffs, where mismatches are ruthlessly hunted, relying on an aging James and the foot-speed challenged Dončić and Reaves is a recipe for an early exit. The Lakers don’t need another scorer; they need a “stopper”—a designated defender to take the toughest assignments night in and night out.
The Dream Target: Herb Jones
The name at the top of every Laker fan’s wish list is New Orleans Pelicans wing Herbert Jones. Widely regarded as one of the premier defenders in the league, Jones offers the length and versatility to switch 1-through-4, effectively masking the deficiencies of the Lakers’ stars.
However, acquiring him is a long shot. Reports suggest Jones is “not currently believed to be available,” and even if he were, the Pelicans would likely demand a king’s ransom to help a conference rival fix their biggest flaw.
The Realistic Pivot: Battle for L.A.?
If Jones is off the table, Pelinka may look closer to home—literally. Derrick Jones Jr. of the Los Angeles Clippers has emerged as a “very interesting” alternative.
Currently stuck on a struggling Clippers squad, “Airplane Mode” fits the profile perfectly: long, athletic, and arguably the best screen-navigator available on the market. But a trade here faces a massive hurdle: The Clippers. Would Steve Ballmer’s front office really sign off on a deal that helps their hallway rivals win a championship? It’s a tough ask, but if the Clippers decide to sell, assets might speak louder than rivalry.
Another name to watch is Sacramento’s Keon Ellis, a younger, cheaper option who provides similar defensive tenacity, though with less playoff seasoning than Derrick Jones Jr.
The Bottom Line
The Lakers have built a Ferrari engine with a mismatched set of brakes. Whether it’s the dream scenario of Herb Jones or a cross-town deal for Derrick Jones Jr., Pelinka must find a mechanic before the postseason begins. If he doesn’t, the Luka-LeBron era might end with a lot of points, but zero rings.
