The Los Angeles Lakers have the offensive star power to put themselves in the playoffs, but as seen recently, their struggles on the defensive end of the floor could be the ultimate cause of their downfall.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has addressed that issue multiple times this season. Still, with the aging LeBron James, the reluctant defensive efforts of Luka Doncic, and currently injured Austin Reaves, Los Angeles might need to make changes to bolster their potential on that side of the court.
In a recent article on Bleacher Report, Dan Favale wrote that the Lakers should target Dillon Brooks of the Phoenix Suns in trade rumors, as well as the already rumored Herb Jones, and the big man Robert Williams.
Upgrading the defense remains the principal priority. The Lakers must be careful how they go about it. They have a roster teeming with one-way players,” he wrote on the Lakers’ trade deadline needs. “Any defense-first bodies they go after shouldn’t be threats to undermine the scoring attack.”
Jones has been consistently rumored to be eyed by the Lakers, but Brooks, while a potential new target, could be an intriguing addition. He has a long ‘beef history‘ with James, including multiple brouhahas this season, but that shouldn’t stop them from adding a player that could drastically raise their floor on defense.
Lakers Trade Rumors, Urged To Target Dillon Brooks
Despite the run-ins between Brooks and James, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka should do everything he can to improve what has been the biggest issue for the team this season.
Brooks is currently having the best season of his career in Phoenix, putting up averages of 21.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 45.7% shooting. If he does get traded to Los Angeles, he wouldn’t be asked to have the same offensive responsibility on a team with James, Doncic, and Reaves, but rather, his perimeter defense would take priority.
While the Suns are by no means a top-tier team, Brooks has helped them hold the 11th-best defensive rating heading into 2026, and while his season has been highlighted by his offensive performances, he remains one of the league’s stingiest and peskiest players on that side of the floor. He would immediately give the Lakers’ star trio some breathing room on defense, while also being a decent offensive weapon with the second unit.
Perhaps the biggest concern in a trade for Brooks would be his contract, but set to make $21 million this year and $20 million next season, that isn’t a massive issue, considering the other big-name players the Lakers have expressed interest in over the past few months. They could likely move Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, or Gabe Vincent and a first-rounder in a deal with Phoenix, but with how well Brooks has performed this season, the asking price may be a bit higher.
Lakers Still Keen On Adding Defense In A Trade
As mentioned in Favale’s article, Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans remains another one of their top targets. Lakers trade rumors have been dominated by him and Trey Murphy over the past few months, and while they would almost certainly have a higher price tag than Brooks, each could do wonders being slotted into this Los Angeles roster.
A recent mock trade from ClutchPoints.com outlined a deal that would see the Lakers adding Jones for a relatively low asking price, considering how much he could elevate their perimeter defense.
Lakers Get: Herb Jones
Pelicans Get: Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and a 2032 top-14 protected first-round draft pick
“Herb Jones is one of the best defensive players in the NBA,” Bailey Bassett wrote on the trade idea. “Jones would mask James, Doncic, and Reaves’ flaws. With those players’ offensive gravity and passing ability, he could also get his 3-point shooting back up to where it was in 2023-24.”
Additionally, Williams of the Portland Trail Blazers was floated out as a potential trade candidate for the Lakers, if adding rim-protection becomes a bigger priority. However, with the strong play of Deandre Ayton this season and the solid bench performances from Jaxson Hayes, giving up anything more than a mid-level player and pick could be too much for the Lakers to risk.
Regardless, defense remains the biggest concern for the Lakers heading into 2026. They have the firepower on offense, but as seen consistently in the NBA postseason and sports in general, ‘defense wins championships‘ tends to ring true. James, Doncic, or Reaves are by no means considered strong defenders, and as the year goes on, they won’t be enough for the Lakers to win multiple playoff series.
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