It is no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers need an injection of defensive talent. Despite their 23-12 record, the Lakers rank just 21st in defensive efficiency and in the bottom half of the NBA with a -0.2 net rating.
Reportedly, one of the Lakers' top targets before the Feb. 5 trade deadline was New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones. Unfortunately for them, the Lakers now will have to look somewhere else to land an upgrade at small forward.
MORE: Zion Williamson gets 'disappointing' trade update from Pelicans
Chris Haynes reported Friday that the Pelicans are taking Jones off the trade block. In addition, New Orleans will hang onto Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and prized rookie Derik Queen past the Feb. 5 deadline.
Sources: New Orleans Pelicans are disappointing the market in informing teams that Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears will remain with the organization past Feb. 5 trade deadline.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 9, 2026
Jones is six months removed from signing a three-year, $68 million contract extension in New Orleans that includes a player option for the 2029-30 season. Even though the Pelicans have struggled collectively with an 8-31 record, Jones continues to offer plus defensive value in the Big Easy.
Two years removed from a first-team All-Defense selection, Jones is averaging 9.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.0 stocks (steals and blocks) per game. The 27-year-old's 120 defensive rating is second on the team among players with at least 20 starts.
If the Pelicans plan to return quickly to playoff contention, then keeping Jones on a team-friendly contract for the time being makes a lot of sense. For the Lakers, parting with a treasure trove of assets to acquire him
More NBA news:
Analyst explains why Lakers desperately need to make this trade
JJ Redick commends Luka Doncic's leadership despite loss to Spurs
LeBron James agent Rich Paul addresses potential retirement in crystal-clear response
Wizards make decision on Trae Young's status vs Pelicans