In what could be the defining NBA transaction of the off-season, the Los Angeles Lakers will likely pivot into “all-in” mode, leveraging their championship window around LeBron James and Luka Doncic. In this proposed and bold three-team deal, L.A. is eyeing a defensive makeover that would bring two of the league’s premier rim protectors, while shifting out one of their most popular and effective secondary scorers.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies, fresh off the shockwaves of Desmond Bane’s departure and a proposed reset, appear poised to reload with a trio of versatile wing players. And the Utah Jazz, exploring a star upgrade, could join the fray with a high-impact addition that could significantly deepen their roster.
We have a three-team deal that could have ripple effects across three major Western Conference teams, because it involves high-profile names including Jaren Jackson Jr., Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Walker Kessler.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr., Walker Kessler, 2030 second-round pick (UTA)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Dorian Finney-Smith (Sign-and-Trade)
Utah Jazz Receive: Austin Reaves
Los Angeles Lakers Create A New Big Four: LeBron, Luka, Jackson Jr., Kessler
When you think of the Lakers, you think superstars. Well, buckle up, because adding Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler to the duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic transforms them into a title-hungry power unit.
Jackson Jr. averaged 22.2 PPG and 5.6 RPG in 2024-25, delivering elite 48.8% shooting and a dependable 37.5% from deep. And let’s not forget his rim protection; over his career, he’s averaged a hefty 1.9 blocks per 29.8 minutes. This isn’t just adding size; it’s infusing the Lakers with a two-way star who can ball on both ends.
A lineup flow where LeBron’s playmaking meets Luka’s shot creation, and Jackson Jr. cleans up everything inside. It’s a scheme nightmare for opponents, nobody can sag off Jackson Jr., and leaving him alone at the arc?
Toss Kessler into the mix, and the Lakers upgrade from dual threats to a full-blown defensive fortress. Last season, he averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game on an absurd 66.3% shooting clip.
His rim protection is perfect in the modern NBA because he is quite mobile for his size. Offensively, he’s the classic lob-and-thunder finisher, anchoring the paint so LeBron, Luka, and Jackson Jr. can roam free.
Overall, this team would be almost unbeatable. The Lakers’ spacing just got surgical, and their defense now has two legitimate anchors since the departure of Anthony Davis.
Bottom line: this is a seismic shift for the Lakers. Adding Jackson Jr. and Kessler signals L.A. is flipping the switch, tearing up the playbook, and charging full throttle for a championship run.
Memphis Grizzlies Re-Tool With Two Young Players And A Two-Way Wing
After parting ways with star scoring guard Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies look primed for a refresh. In return, they’re said to be landing Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and Dorian Finney-Smith, each bringing a unique spark.
Hachimura has shown the versatility and scoring touch (averaging 13.1 PPG and 5.0 RPG last season), Knecht brings upside and youth (9.1 PPG on 37.6% 3-PT FG), and Finney-Smith offers veteran perimeter defense (8.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG). It’s a mash-up that blends experience with upside in one deft move.
This is essentially a strategic reset. Memphis gets athletic wings to run the floor, switch on defense, and keep things competitive. With Ja Morant still at the helm, their offense stays lethal. But now, they’ve got fresh bodies who can grind, defend, and potentially blossom into key rotation pieces, all while keeping the cap sheet clean for future maneuverability.
Their front office isn’t throwing in the towel; they’re recalibrating. This retooling gives them flexibility, a younger core to build around, and enough grit to stay relevant in a brutal Western Conference. It’s smart, calculated, and far from a teardown.
Utah Jazz Find Their Guard Of The Future
When you make a splash deal, sending Austin Reaves to Utah, you’re not just moving pieces; you’re redefining roles. In this scenario, the Jazz land an electrifying lead guard who averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in 2024-25.
Couple that with his deadly 37.7% 3-point shooting and off-ball IQ, and you’ve got a modern floor general capable of igniting a rebuild. Reaves isn’t a pure ceiling-shooter, though; he’s an offensive creator as well.
He refused a $90 million extension from the Lakers already, betting on himself to be the next breakout star in the NBA. This tells you all you need to know: he’s hungry, confident, and poised to step into the primary role. Jazz fans, lock in: you’ve got your guys.
In short, the Jazz get a proven turbo-charged lead guard, ready-made for a rebuild. With a guy who can score, create, and lead, Utah accelerates its timeline because they can revamp their team with Reaves and also the No. 5 overall pick, Ace Bailey.
