The Los Angeles Lakers are still being tied to defensive upgrades after an active offseason, and one proposed three-team trade centers on bringing in Herbert Jones to play alongside Luka Doncic. The idea reflects a clear roster need for Los Angeles: more reliable perimeter defense around its star talent.
Jones is widely valued for his all-defensive impact, making him an appealing target for a Lakers team looking to balance scoring and stops. Adding a wing defender of that caliber could help ease concerns about point-of-attack defense and give the team a stronger identity on that end of the floor.
The proposed deal remains just that — a trade concept — but it highlights the type of player the Lakers appear to need most. Surrounding Doncic with defenders who can handle tough assignments would help maximize his playmaking while reducing pressure on the rest of the lineup.
As speculation continues, the broader takeaway is straightforward: Los Angeles still appears focused on improving its defense without sacrificing its offensive ceiling. A move for a player like Jones would fit that approach and underline how seriously the Lakers are treating their perimeter issues.
