Analyst floats Lakers pursuing Derrick Jones Jr via MLE next summer
Lakers Nation analyst Trevor Lane argues Los Angeles should chase Derrick Jones Jr from the Clippers, calling him a poor fit for LA's rival to keep. He notes the Clippers' recent draft-pick forfeitures and fine as extra incentive to deal Jones for value now.
Failing a trade, Lane suggests the Lakers could instead wait and sign Jones next summer with their full midlevel exception rather than fight for him in free agency later.
Jones is on an expiring $30 million contract and has ties to Luka Doncic from their time together in Dallas. Lane doubts the Clippers would deal him to Los Angeles without getting fleeced.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha separately said his preferred plan involves acquiring Jones and P.J. Washington, though he does not see the Lakers currently trending that way.
