Lakers Eye Game-Changing Trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. to Rebuild Superteam Dynasty
The Los Angeles Lakers are once again setting the NBA rumor mill ablaze, this time with whispers of a massive trade that could reshape the balance of power in the league. According to insider reports, the Lakers are zeroing in on Jaren Jackson Jr., the Memphis Grizzlies’ Defensive Player of the Year, as they look to complete a new “Big Three” alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
After shipping Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in a previous shockwave trade, the Lakers are left with a critical void in the paint. While they’ve scrambled to patch things together with Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura, none of these options have truly filled the void left by Davis. Enter Jackson Jr.—a player who not only defends at an elite level but also brings the scoring touch of a modern stretch-big.
Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht Among Key Pieces Lakers May Sacrifice in Jackson Jr. Pursuit
The proposed deal, as detailed by NBA insider Bailey Bassett, would see the Lakers surrender Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, and a 2031 first-round pick to Memphis in exchange for Jackson Jr. While that may appear steep on paper, the Lakers are playing the long game.
Reaves has blossomed into a scoring threat, averaging over 20 points per game last season. Knecht, a recent rookie, has already gained a reputation for his elite shooting. Kleber adds depth and playoff experience. Yet none of them offer what Jackson Jr. brings—22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game, along with 37.5% shooting from beyond the arc in the 2024–25 season.
With LeBron James aging and Luka Doncic needing strong rim protection and floor spacing, Jackson’s fit in L.A. is nearly perfect.
Bill Simmons Jokes, But Lakers May Once Again Pull Off Another “Pelinka Heist”
Bill Simmons, founder of The Ringer, added his own sarcastic flair to the conversation following the Desmond Bane trade to the Orlando Magic, suggesting, “Now watch Rob Pelinka trade Rui [Hachimura] and a 2032 first for Jaren Jackson.” While meant in jest, his comments underscore the long-standing perception that Rob Pelinka has a knack for pulling off surprisingly lopsided deals.
Though this trade scenario may not be quite as one-sided, the idea of Pelinka swinging big is nothing new—and with the Lakers needing to maximize LeBron’s final championship window, bold moves are expected.
Grizzlies Facing Jackson Jr. Dilemma Amid Uncertain Future With Ja Morant
On the other side of the equation, the Grizzlies must consider their long-term plans. After already trading Desmond Bane for multiple picks and assets, Memphis appears to be walking the tightrope between rebuilding and remaining competitive. Ja Morant is locked into a lucrative max deal, and Jackson Jr., while under contract through 2026, is not eligible for a supermax unless he earns an All-NBA nod.
This creates financial tension for the franchise. Moving Jackson now, when his value is sky-high, could bring back young, controllable assets while clearing salary for a fresh core. That said, the Lakers’ offer, while intriguing, doesn’t quite match the treasure chest Memphis got in the Bane trade—four first-round picks, a swap, and two rotation players.
Can the Lakers Land Jackson Before Another Team Outbids Them?
Despite the Lakers’ enthusiasm, they aren’t the only team that could be interested if Jackson becomes officially available. Franchises with deeper draft capital and a stronger pool of young prospects could swoop in with more aggressive offers. But the Lakers’ trump card remains their timeline.
With LeBron James edging closer to retirement and Luka Doncic entering his prime, the urgency in L.A. is unlike anywhere else. A trio of LeBron, Luka, and Jaren could make the Lakers an unstoppable force on both ends of the court—one capable of challenging even the most dominant contenders.
Whether or not Memphis pulls the trigger will depend on how they evaluate the package. But one thing’s certain: if Rob Pelinka pulls this off, the Lakers will be all-in for banner No. 18—and the rest of the NBA will be forced to take notice.
