Wow! Lakers target a defensive anchor! A 3-for-1 trade plan revealed

Insider Siegel revealed:The Lakers have held trade discussions with the Pelicans about Jones.

Jones, born October 6, 1998, stands 2.01 meters tall with a 2.13-meter wingspan. He was the 5th pick in the second round of the 2021 draft. So far this season, he averages 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, hitting 33.7% from beyond the arc with 1.5 three-pointers per game, and earned a spot on the 2023-24 All-Defensive First Team.

During this summer’s offseason, Jones agreed to a three-year, $68 million contract extension with the Pelicans, but he cannot be traded until January 14 next year. The Lakers aren’t the only team interested in him; this defense-oriented forward is highly sought after.

Previously, US media outlet The Athletic suggested a plan for the Lakersinvolving sending Knect, Kleber, and a 2031 first-round pick to the Pelicans in exchange for Jones.However, the general consensus is that Jones is worth two first-round picks.

Lakers reporter Woike commented that the current assets the Lakers can offer are insufficient to convince the Pelicans to trade Jones...

Now the Lakers are looking for a backup plan if pursuing Jones fails. A key target is the Clippers’ Jones Jr., who this season averages 10.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 34.8% from three with 1.2 triples per game. He is also a strong defender with excellent athleticism, earning a $10 million salary this season.

In the 2023-24 season, Jones Jr. teamed up with Doncic and helped the Mavericks reach the Finals. The duo showed great chemistry, and reuniting in Los Angeles might allow them to continue making an impact.

The Lakers’ strong focus on defensive wings stems mainly from their poor defensive depth,as they rank 20th in the league with 117.4 points allowed per game and 22nd in defensive efficiency at 117.1 this season.They need at least one reliable defensive anchor to guard the opponent’s primary offensive threats, thereby boosting their championship chances.

Of course, if the opportunity arises, acquiring Wiggins—who was a core forward in the Warriors’ 2022 championship and currently plays for the Heat—would be the ideal reinforcement for the Lakers. So far this season, he averages 16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 38.1% from three with 1.8 triples per contest, and has a salary of $28.22 million this year.