Lakers-Clippers trade rumor. Image via: NBA
The 6-foot-6 Clippers forward, 29, played one season beside Luka Doncic in Dallas, and a Clippers roster stripped of five first-round picks might listen. Reports published October 3 put him forward as an option. The Lakers overhauled their roster this summer, and one starting spot still looks unfinished. Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes arrived, while LeBron James, Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton left. Lakers need perimeter defense, secondary rim protection and enough offense to hold up. No one on the roster fits it as a proven power forward, and that probably doesn’t change before opening night. Derrick Jones Jr. keeps coming up as the fix. Nothing is agreed, and every idea here is speculation, not word from either front office.
Category Details Player Derrick Jones Jr. (forward, 6-foot-6, 29) Current Team Los Angeles Clippers Rumored Team Los Angeles Lakers Contract Status Final year; extension not expected Trade Likelihood Speculative; Clippers’ asking price unclear Latest Insider Update Oct. 3: Lakers-Clippers deal proposed; asking price unclear Potential Return LaRavia, and three second-round picks to the Clippers (hypothetical) Derrick Jones Jr. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
“The Lakers need a forward and the Los Angeles Clippers need some draft capital, which makes these two teams the perfect trading partners,” Fansided’s Mat Issa wrote. Image via: Harry How/Getty Images Los Angeles has two in-house candidates in newcomers Ziaire Williams and Sandro Mamukelashvili, and either could claim the starting power forward job. Right now, it is fair to say that the newcomer duo is a backup option or a trade asset. Jones would upgrade any in-house option as a proven, veteran two-way contributor. His strength, agility and verticality suit a defender beside Doncic, who can feed him enough quality shots to stay viable on offense. As the summer roster changes happened, it looks like the Lakers are reaching the end of perfecting their team. Still, there are some gaps. “This one would be another reunion for Dončić from his Finals run with the Dallas Mavericks. Here, the Lakers would trade LaRavia, Dalton Knecht and three second-round picks to get Derrick Jones Jr. ” Jones is in the final year of his contract and is not expected to get an extension. The league docked the Clippers five first-round picks, and the forward is believed to be among the veterans on their trade block. Los Angeles could also hang back and wait for Jones to test free agency next summer. The Clippers’ asking price is unclear. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines P.J. Washington in Dallas and Herbert Jones in New Orleans are other names on the radar, and Washington looks like the surer option. Doncic, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes already project as four starters, with one spot open. The clock runs in two directions. Los Angeles will judge Williams and Mamukelashvili over roughly two months, and the Clippers face the trade deadline with an expiring contract. If neither Laker claims the spot, the calls start. If the Clippers sit still, Jones may walk next summer with no return. For now, the Lakers have a name, a paper package and no deal. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Moving him before the deadline would return something, while waiting risks losing him for nothing.
