The Los Angeles Lakers are specifically targeting 3-and-D players in trades ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
During his appearance on Tuesday’s episode of “Run it Back” on FanDuel TV, Amick said that the Lakers — who rank No. 21 in defensive efficiency — realize the importance of adding a stout perimeter defender who can shoot at a decent clip from deep.
“I talked to somebody yesterday who said the Lakers are looking for a 3-and-D-type guy,” Amick said. “Could it be Keon [Ellis], Herb Jones, or somebody like that?”
Amick mentioned Ellis, a career 42% three-point shooter with a 6-9 wingspan, as a target for the Lakers while discussing the 6-18 Sacramento Kings potentially blowing up their roster. Although Ellis has seen his minutes drop to just 16.3 this season, scouts around the league view him as an intriguing prospect who can turn into a quality rotational piece for a championship contender.
Lakers Trade Targets
Herb Jones, a far more accomplished 3-and-D player, is also set to be a Lakers trade target. Per ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel and Chris Dodson, the Lakers and Warriors are among a handful of teams interested in the former All-Defensive First Team selection.
“Herb Jones has been one of the most coveted two-way wings in the league, and the Pelicans have turned down multiple trade offers for him through the years,” read a report published on Dec. 3.
“The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are among a handful of Western Conference contenders actively exploring ways to acquire Jones, league sources told ClutchPoints.”
Other potential Lakers trade targets, per reports, include Miami Heat wing Andrew Wiggins, Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford and Portland Trail Blazers big man Robert Williams III.
Lakers Need Wing Defenders
The Lakers could definitely use a player such as Ellis, Wiggins or Jones on the wings to cover for the defensive lapses of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and an aging LeBron James. Despite starting the season with a 17-6 record, they rank in the bottom half of the league in all defensive metrics, suggesting they need some roster upgrades.
Last season, the Lakers had no answer for the Minnesota Timberwolves tandem of Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards, who averaged a combined 49.4 points at a true-shooting percentage of 58% in their first-round playoff series. Even though the Lakers started the series as favorites, they were smoked in five games by Chris Finch’s team.
LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, has also urged the Lakers to shore up their defense in order to truly make a run at the title.
“I personally don’t think the Lakers are good enough to be contenders, not right now,” Paul said on The Ringer’s “Game Over With Max Kellerman and Rich Paul” podcast.
“I don’t think they have enough to get to the Western Conference Finals.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets all have shorter odds to win the championship than JJ Redick’s Lakers.
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