Lakers Get Bad News on Coveted Trade Target Amid Surprising Development

The New Orleans Pelicans remain unwilling to trade defensive forward Herb Jones despite his reduced playing time under new head coach Jamahl Mosley, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. While Jones has averaged a career-low 17.1 minutes off the bench through three games, a Pelicans official confirmed the team has not indicated any willingness to move him. This stance presents a setback for the Los Angeles Lakers, who have reportedly coveted Jones to bolster their perimeter defense.

Even if New Orleans softens its stance, the Lakers face steep hurdles to execute a permanent trade. The Pelicans reportedly require an asking price near two first-round picks, an asset Los Angeles lacks after trading future first-round capital in the offseason for Walker Kessler. Mosley has also stated that finding more minutes for Jones remains a primary priority.