NBA insider Kevin O’Connor has advised the Los Angeles Lakers to pursue defensive reinforcements as the team navigates a strong early-season run. The Lakers sit at an impressive 15-5 record, having recently put together a seven-game winning streak before Monday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns. While their offense—led by LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves—has operated at a top-five level, their defense has yet to reach top-10 form at any point this season.
According to O’Connor, if the Lakers wish to compete with Western Conference powerhouses such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets, the front office must be proactive before the trade deadline. On Monday’s episode of The Kevin O’Connor Show, he singled out New Orleans Pelicans wing Herbert Jones as a player the Lakers should aggressively target to address their defensive shortcomings.
“Why not go get somebody like a Herb Jones? Like, make an offer for it. You know, give Gabe Vincent, maybe Dalton Knecht, a future first (round pick). Maybe a little bit more if you have to. One of the swaps possibly to the Pelicans,” O’Connor said, noting LA’s offensive firepower gives them legitimate potential if they can shore up the other end of the floor.
Despite turning 41 later this month, LeBron James continues to function as the Lakers’ defensive quarterback. But with the team lacking footspeed and a dependable point-of-attack presence, the burden on James has become increasingly heavy.
O’Connor believes Jones—a former First-Team All-Defensive selection—could immediately elevate the Lakers into borderline top-10 defensive territory. At 27 years old with two years remaining on his current deal and earning $13.9 million this season, he also fits into a longer-term vision.
However, acquiring Jones may not be straightforward. The Lakers’ most tradeable contracts—Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber and rookie Dalton Knecht—do not currently carry strong market value. Additionally, LA has only one first-round pick available to offer at this deadline, along with pick swaps that may hold limited appeal given their projected playoff status with Doncic anchoring the franchise.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, hold significant leverage. Jones is under contract through 2030, allowing New Orleans to wait for the strongest possible return. A deal may only materialize if the market for Jones is softer than expected—an outcome that could open the door for the Lakers to negotiate a more manageable price.
For now, O’Connor’s message is clear: if the Lakers hope to maximize their early momentum and contend with the West’s elite, reinforcing their defense must become a priority.
