Initially of the season, there have been questions on whether or not or not the Los Angeles Lakers had sufficient round Luka Doncic to contend in a loaded Western Convention. To this point, they’re 19-9 by 28 video games, which is nice sufficient for the fourth seed within the West.
Doncic has performed like an MVP candidate, however the emergence of Austin Reaves, who has developed right into a star, has been one other huge purpose for his or her success. For the primary time within the LeBron James period, Los Angeles has not needed to be overly reliant on their growing old star.
Even with all of their early-season success, the Lakers nonetheless have their flaws. Most of them are on the defensive finish of the ground, however buying this defensive-minded ahead ought to be on the high of LA’s vacation wishlist.
The Lakers should go all-in on Pelicans ahead Herb Jones
For the primary month of the season, LA was common defensively. They had been fifteenth in defensive ranking in November, however they’ve come crashing down on that finish of the ground, and their flaws have been uncovered.
To this point this month, the Lakers are twenty eighth in defensive ranking. Solely the Wizards and Jazz, two lottery-bound groups, have posted worse marks. LA can also be twenty eighth in internet ranking.
The Lakers actually battle on the level of assault, and having each Doncic and Reaves on the ground is nice for his or her offense, however their protection suffers. Add in the truth that James is just not the identical defender he was, and Rui Hachimura can also be having his struggles, and that leaves LA with a number of subpar defenders. Enter Jones.
Jones has been one of many NBA’s greatest wing defenders for the previous few seasons. He’s elite on the level of assault and has the flexibility to protect a number of positions. The Lakers had an identical wing final 12 months in Dorian Finney-Smith, however he left for the Rockets in free company. Whereas he does the identical issues, Jones could be an enormous improve.
Jones additionally averages almost two steals per recreation, and he leads New Orleans in deflections with nearly 4 per night time. LA would profit from having a defender who can get offenses off schedule and create live-ball turnovers that may result in simple transition buckets.
Herb Jones could be the right long-term piece for the Lakers
He’s beneath contract for 4 extra seasons, and his three-year, $68 million extension doesn’t kick in till 2027. Normal supervisor Rob Pelinka has prioritized monetary flexibility for the summers of 2026 and 2027, and never solely does Jones accomplish that, however additionally they would not have to fret about paying him for some time.
Jones alone doesn’t resolve the Lakers’ defensive points, however he could be an enormous assist. Having one man that they will stick on the opposing staff’s greatest ball-handler and have him neutralize would go a good distance in LA sustaining their footing out West.
