As the Memphis Grizzlies likely pivot into a full-scale rebuild, sending Desmond Bane to Orlando and vaporizing their championship window, one of their cornerstone pieces, Jaren Jackson Jr., is widely expected to become available. The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads: with Anthony Davis offloaded in the February Luka trade, their frontline is vulnerable, and they lack a modern rim protector who can stretch the floor.
That’s why we believe that L.A. should pursue Jackson Jr. aggressively, especially before he hits free agency in 2026. Jackson Jr. represents a nearly plug-and-play solution for L.A. His rare blend of shot-blocking (career 1.9 BPG, including 1.5 BPG last season) and perimeter shooting (.375 3‑point percentage in 2024‑25) makes him one of the few big men capable of matching the pace and skill of LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
While the contract situation adds a layer of complexity, particularly his missed All‑NBA nod affecting extension terms, it also creates an opportune moment for the Lakers to strike while Memphis navigates uncertainty. Let’s dive into the trade package and how it could play out.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Dorian Finney-Smith, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 first-round pick
Los Angeles Lakers Create A Superteam In The West
Acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. (JJJ) gives L.A. a modern, two-way big who can protect the rim and stretch the floor, a perfect complement to LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Jackson averaged 22.2 points and 1.9 blocks per game last season, shooting 37.5% from three on nearly five attempts per game. He’s an elite shot-blocker (3.0 BPG in 2022‑23) and has the pick-and-pop ability to space the floor, essential alongside perimeter stars.
At 6’10” and athletic, Jackson is one of the league’s best rim protectors and switchers, earning two All-Defensive First Team nods and the 2022‑23 Defensive Player of the Year. His mobility would allow J.J. Redick to run versatile lineups, three-guard units with Luka and Reaves, plus JJJ patrolling the paint.
JJJ is signed through 2025‑26 at an AAV of about $26M, and because he missed All-NBA, he isn’t eligible for a supermax, making his next extension seem in reach. The Lakers would need to gift him a max deal next summer, but with potential cap opens (LeBron retirement, etc.), they could bolt down a core of stars through 2028, anchoring their title window.
Memphis Grizzlies Cash In On Jackson Jr. Before Free Agency Hits
Memphis is in a race against time: JJJ is extension-eligible next summer, but without All-NBA honors, Memphis risks overpaying or losing him via free agency. Trading him before free agency gives the Grizzlies control and ensures they capture value rather than walk away empty-handed.
In return, after sending Jackson Jr. to L.A., Memphis would receive key veterans: Dorian Finney-Smith (3&D wing), Dalton Knecht (high-upside young guard), Jarred Vanderbilt (rebounding glue guy), and a 2031 first-round pick. Unlike picks-heavy deals, this offers roster balance: veteran contributors alongside future draft capital, speeding the rebuild and maintaining playable depth.
With Desmond Bane already dealt for first-round picks, flipping Jackson Jr. allows Memphis to accelerate into a full rebuild. They collect young talent and assets while avoiding the risk of losing him for nothing. Plus, shedding his $26M expiree contract gives salary flexibility, especially since Memphis remains intent on restocking the cupboard.
Another Blockbuster Trade Rob Pelinka Can Negotiate For
L.A.’s front office, led by Rob Pelinka, is projecting bold intentions with this pursuit. Jackson Jr. would immediately solidify a top-tier Western Conference contender. A trio of LeBron, Luka, JJJ is nearly unprecedented, athletic, versatile, and championship-ready. The move would position the Lakers as immediate title favorites in 2026 and beyond.
The proposed package, Finney‑Smith, Knecht, Vanderbilt, plus a future pick, shows a balanced exchange. The Lakers part with players who can fill rotation needs elsewhere, protect cap flexibility, and include a late first-rounder. Memphians get rotation players to complement a rebuild front and time-stamped value before the free-agent dash.
Jackson Jr.’s contract allows room for Lakers to preserve flexibility for other moves. They avoid tying down too much future money immediately, while also building a foundation to extend him down the line. For Pelinka, this is a multi-year play: acquire JJJ now, extend later, and maintain a competitive core with Luka, Reaves, and select complementary pieces.
