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The Los Angeles Lakers have had a busy offseason thus far, making multiple changes to their roster as they officially close the LeBron James era and enter the Luka Doncic era.
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Of course, the Lakers began their offseason by re-signing Austin Reaves and acquiring Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz.
Los Angeles also added Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney and Matisse Thybulle in free agency.
While the Lakers did make multiple additions to their roster this summer, they could still look to make an upgrade at their forward position. If they elect to do so, one player they could target is Los Angeles Clippers veteran Derrick Jones Jr.
Mock Trade Lands Lakers Derrick Jones Jr. From Clippers
In a potential trade, the Lakers could send a package of Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy and a 2030 first-round pick to the Clippers in exchange for Jones Jr.
By making this trade, the Lakers would bolster their wing depth while the Clippers would add key young players and a much-needed future first-round pick after being stripped of five future first-round picks following the NBA’s investigation into their dealings with Kawhi Leonard.
BREAKING: The NBA has ruled on the Los Angeles Clippers in for salary cap circumvention investigations on Kawhi Leonard after yearlong probe — stripping the franchise of 5 first-round picks, issuing a $30 million fine to owner Steve Ballmer and suspensions for Ballmer, Lawrence… pic.twitter.com/JCV5bI88BE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 2, 2026
For Jones Jr., he would provide the Lakers with a reliable scorer and defender who could be a solid fit alongside Kessler in the starting frontcourt or serve as a key piece off the bench.
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Either way, his addition to the team would fill some key holes in Los Angeles’ rotation on both ends of the court due to his athleticism and defensive versatility.
Last season, the 29-year-old forward averaged 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 49.9% from the field and 35.9% from three.
While this trade could fill a glaring hole in the Lakers’ rotation, his injury history could cause them to look elsewhere as Jones Jr. has played in more than 70 games in a season just twice over his 10-year career.
The Clippers may also want more in return for the veteran forward or they may elect to keep him on their roster as they try to make a run at a playoff spot this upcoming season.
Related: Trade Idea Sends Knicks’ Fan-Favorite Guard to Pelicans for Ex-Champion to Add Frontcourt Depth
Related: Blockbuster Mock Trade Swaps Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox for Pelicans’ $226 Million Duo
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This story was originally published September 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM.