Luka Doncic, Lakers get disappointing trade news less than a month before deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers are running out of time to complete a trade this season to surround Luka Doncic with more help.
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While the franchise has its eyes on several targets, a deal has yet to come to fruition. Unfortunately for Doncic and the Lakers, there’s one particular asset that’s officially off the market.
“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 reported Friday.
Although Jones’ numbers across the board are far from eye-popping, his impact on the hardwood goes beyond stats. The Lakers’ half-court defense has been unsatisfactory to start the 2025-26 season.
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The organization doesn’t have enough committed and skilled perimeter defenders on its current roster, resulting in it surrendering 116.3 points per game (16th).
Adding Jones to the fold seemed like a must for the Lakers before Haynes’ report, as it was a given that the Alabama product’s length, quick hands, and high motor would help bolster Los Angeles’ defense moving forward.
Jones isn’t too shabby on the offensive end, either, as he’s a serviceable slasher who’s working toward becoming a more reliable three-point shooting threat.
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The former second-round pick is averaging 9.5 points and 1.7 steals per game this season with the Pelicans, shooting 39.4% from the field and 33.3% from three.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, the 17-time champions won’t receive Jones’ two-way services this year.
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