The Los Angeles Lakers may still have options to acquire a much-needed 3-and-D wing at the trade deadline — even if the Miami Heat’s asking price for Andrew Wiggins remains prohibitively high.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Lakers’ ability to land wing help will depend on their willingness to absorb long-term money and the evolving landscape of players who hit the market ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
Windhorst: Lakers Can Still Land Wing Help If They Take on Salary
During a Q&A session on Instagram’s Threads, Windhorst was asked whether Los Angeles had any realistic path to acquiring a wing defender other than Wiggins. The veteran insider didn’t hesitate.
“Yes, absolutely, especially if they’re willing to take on money past this year and swap out an expiring contract,” Windhorst responded. “By next month, we’ll have a feel for who might be available in this type of deal.”
His comments indicate that while the Lakers face stiff competition and resource limitations, they are not boxed into a single option. The key variable will be whether the front office is willing to take on contracts that stretch beyond 2024–25 — a move that often scares teams off but could expand the Lakers’ trade pool.
Pelicans’ Herb Jones Remains Lakers’ Dream Target — But Price Is Massive
GettyTrey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans celebrates a second half basket with Herbert Jones.
While Wiggins has been the name most commonly linked to Los Angeles, the Lakers’ true “dream acquisition,” according to league insiders, is Herb Jones, the elite defensive wing from the New Orleans Pelicans.
But that dream comes with a harsh reality check.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that there is “considerable curiosity leaguewide” about New Orleans’ willingness to field calls on Jones or rising star Trey Murphy III, but emphasized that the Pelicans’ price is “extremely high and intended to discourage inquiries.”
Jones, 27, is on a favorable long-term contract and has blossomed into one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league — the exact archetype the Lakers lack. But according to multiple reports, the Pelicans aren’t even entertaining soft offers.
The Athletic’s Dan Woike reinforced that stance, noting New Orleans is “not interested in moving Jones” and that the Lakers’ limited draft capital — just one movable first-round pick (2030 or 2031) — makes a deal nearly impossible.
“Considering what LA would have to offer… the Pelicans almost certainly wouldn’t engage at that price point,” Woike wrote.
He did acknowledge that New Orleans’ posture could shift closer to the Feb. 5 trade deadline, but any move would require a substantial offer, far beyond what the Lakers can realistically assemble.
One GM Identifies a More Realistic Target: Derrick Jones Jr.
While the Lakers aim high, one NBA general manager told our own Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney that L.A. may need to recalibrate its expectations.
“They want some defensive help… but realistic for the Lakers is not Giannis or Ja Morant,” the GM said. “It’s a guy like Derrick Jones.”
The Clippers wing is recovering from a knee injury but is expected back by late December or early January. Jones is averaging 10.5 points on 53.3% shooting, including 34.8% from deep, and has the length and athleticism the Lakers covet.
The GM emphasized that Los Angeles may ultimately need to rely on internal improvement.
“They’ll have to give some time to Marcus Smart, get him healthy, get LeBron [James] healthy, and hope their answers are already on the roster,” he told Deveney.
Lakers Face Harsh Trade Deadline Reality
Los Angeles wants more athleticism, more perimeter defense, and more lineup versatility — but has only one first-round pick to offer and few mid-sized contracts to match salaries.
With elite defenders like Wiggins, Jones and Murphy likely out of reach, the Lakers may be forced into the bargain tier.
With the Lakers’ limited draft capital… beggars can’t be choosers.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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