According to TA Los Angeles correspondent Dan Wojker on Friday, the New Orleans Pelicans have no intention of trading their wing player Herbert Jones to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers have been consistent on offense this season, but their defense has become increasingly problematic. They currently sit 4th in the Western Conference with a 17-7 record, but allow an average of 116.8 points per game.

Given that the Lakers' defensive efficiency is far from championship-caliber, the league generally believes they urgently need to acquire a wing player who can provide solid defense. Pelicans forward Herbert Jones is widely considered one of the most ideal potential candidates due to his high degree of fit with the Lakers' needs.

Jones, 27, was the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft and has played five seasons for the Pelicans. During that time, he has played 258 regular season games for the Pelicans, averaging 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals in 30.2 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 30.2% and a three-point percentage of 47.1%.

Jones also played 10 playoff games, averaging 11.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals in 36.7 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 43.5% and a three-point percentage of 36.1%.

According to a previous report by NBA insider Evan Sidley, the Lakers plan to formally pursue Jones after the Pelicans begin their trade spree. Jones just signed a two-year, $68 million contract with the Pelicans in July, and he will be eligible for trade starting January 15.

However, the Lakers' idea of acquiring Jones has now been completely rejected by Woyke: "The New Orleans Pelicans are not interested in trading for Jones." He added that the main reason is the lack of attractiveness of the assets the Lakers can offer: they only have expiring contracts and a first-round pick. As for the Lakers' 2031 or 2032 first-round pick, league insiders believe its value is lower than expected before the Luka Doncic trade and after Mark Walter's acquisition of the team. Unless the Pelicans receive an offer they can't refuse, the trade is unlikely to be completed.