The Los Angeles Lakers are going all-in on their championship bid, having brought in Dorian Finney-Smith to help propel the team into the playoffs. However, it does not seem to end here.

With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the Lakers are reportedly making other adjustments to their lineup to stay within striking distance of a Western Conference powerhouse.

Lakers May Bring in Herb Jones on the Lineup

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Might Find Another Defensive Wing to NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Might Find Another Defensive Wing to
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In a trade prospect forwarded by Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World, defense ace Herb Jones from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Los Angeles Lakers in trade. Here's how it shakes out:

Los Angeles Lakers Trade: Herb Jones

New Orleans Pelicans Trade: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick (Los Angeles Lakers), 2025 Second-Round Pick (Los Angeles Clippers)

Jones, known as one of the NBA's top perimeter defenders, would provide the Lakers with much-needed defensive depth. Pairing him with Finney-Smith could turn Los Angeles into a defensive powerhouse capable of containing elite scorers like Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in high-stakes matchups.

The Cost of Acquiring Jones

The trade would add Jones as a strategic upgrade, but it would come at a cost. The Lakers would also send out versatile forward Jarred Vanderbilt and young talent Jalen Hood-Schifino.

In return, the Pelicans would get a valuable 2029 first-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick.

Los Angeles will lose a significant piece of Vanderbilt, but Jones fills one glaring need in perimeter defense. With multiple years on his deal, the team will improve its playoff run this year and over the long term.

Why Herb Jones Fits into the Lakers' Playoff System

According to Sports Illustrated, this gives the Western Conference the strongest arsenal in the offense; and Jones's contribution would definitely prove indispensable because of his defensive strength against any scorer.

Having such a strength could mean giving Los Angeles a considerable advantage going into the postseason with their present talent core, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and with Finney-Smith by his side to perfect wing defense.

Perspective Pelicans: A Road to Revitalization for the Future

This trade gives the Pelicans future assets to further their long-term prospects. A first-round pick in 2029 from the Lakers can prove extremely valuable if the core of LeBron and Davis has left the team by then. Vanderbilt's defensive versatility and Hood-Schifino's upside as a young playmaker add depth to the Pelicans' roster.

Lakers Deadline Strategy: Go Big or Go Home

With the trade deadline approaching, the Lakers are continuing to be aggressive in pursuit of talent. It would be a very bold statement by Los Angeles that they're fully committed to making the most of their championship window if they secure Jones.

Aside from this potential move, the Lakers could also trade Rui Hachimura for an all-star.