LAKERS EYE BLOCKBUSTER MOVE: Jaren Jackson Jr. Emerges as Prime Trade Target After Grizzlies Begin Core Breakup with Desmond Bane Deal
The winds of change are blowing fiercely in Memphis, and with Desmond Bane now shipped to the Orlando Magic, speculation is reaching a fever pitch about what could be next for the Grizzlies. While Bane’s departure might seem like a surprising turn of events for a franchise that was recently knocking on the door of Western Conference contention, it signals something more ominous: the potential dismantling of the team’s core. And if that is truly the direction the Grizzlies are heading, the next major domino to fall could be none other than Jaren Jackson Jr. With the Los Angeles Lakers on high alert and in need of both defensive presence and frontcourt flexibility, Jackson’s name is beginning to resonate more than ever as a viable and transformative trade target.
Jaren Jackson Jr., at just 25 years old, remains one of the league’s premier defenders and a unicorn-like talent who can protect the rim, switch onto wings, and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. In the 2022-23 season, he earned the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award, a testament to his elite timing, shot-blocking instincts, and mobility. Averaging 3.0 blocks per game that season while anchoring a top-five defense, Jackson established himself not just as a supporting piece but as a cornerstone. His offensive game has grown as well, showcasing an ability to knock down perimeter shots, put the ball on the floor in spurts, and serve as a legitimate lob threat. That kind of two-way versatility is rare, and it’s exactly what the Lakers crave.
The Lakers, still navigating the waning years of LeBron James’ legendary career, are in win-now mode. Every move they consider is filtered through the lens of immediate contention and title viability. While the Lakers already boast a duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the supporting cast has remained in flux, and the franchise has lacked consistent third-star production. D’Angelo Russell has been hot and cold. Rui Hachimura has shown promise, but injuries and defensive limitations keep him from being a consistent two-way presence. Jaren Jackson Jr. offers a much more robust and dependable option—a player who could slot seamlessly alongside Anthony Davis, or even play in his place during stretches when Davis is inevitably sidelined.
Jackson is entering the final year of a four-year, \$105 million contract, set to earn \$23.41 million for the 2025-26 season. That salary is incredibly reasonable for a player of his caliber, especially given the rising salary cap. For the Lakers, that kind of deal offers an incredible bang for their buck and allows them to remain flexible while still competing at the highest level. Financially, the Lakers could make the numbers work by aggregating contracts like that of Russell, Hachimura, or Jarred Vanderbilt, possibly including young talent like Jalen Hood-Schifino or draft capital depending on Memphis’s ask. The Grizzlies, if they’re heading toward a rebuild, might prioritize future picks and controllable young talent, which the Lakers can offer, even if in limited quantity.
What makes Jackson particularly intriguing for Los Angeles is his ability to operate as both a stretch five and a defensive-minded four. When Anthony Davis is at the five, Jackson can play the four and help protect him from the physical toll of constant rim defense. When Davis sits or plays at the four, Jackson can slide to center, offering a lineup that remains defensively stout without sacrificing offensive spacing. Jackson hit 35.2% of his threes in the 2022-23 season and has remained a respectable threat from deep throughout his career. His shooting ability allows the Lakers to unclog the paint for LeBron’s drives and Davis’s post-ups—something they’ve long struggled to balance.
Another aspect that cannot be overlooked is the synergy between Jackson’s defensive strengths and the Lakers’ overall needs. Los Angeles ranked in the middle of the pack defensively last season, despite Davis’ continued excellence. Adding another elite shot-blocker and switchable big man would allow head coach Darvin Ham to get more creative with his schemes, potentially deploying switch-heavy or zone looks that give the Lakers a modern defensive identity. Jackson isn’t just a weakside shot-blocker—he’s a legitimate defensive anchor who changes how opposing teams attack the rim. That type of defensive gravity could be the missing piece in the Lakers’ title pursuit puzzle.
Of course, prying Jackson from Memphis won’t come cheap. Despite Bane’s trade, the Grizzlies may not be entirely committed to a full teardown. Ja Morant remains on the roster, and with a suspension-shortened 2023-24 season now behind him, Memphis may still view him as a franchise centerpiece. But if the Grizzlies are leaning into a youth movement or retool, Jackson’s trade value could be at its apex. His age, contract, and production make him one of the most appealing trade chips in the league. Memphis would likely command multiple picks and/or blue-chip prospects in return, and they have no urgency to move quickly. The Lakers, short on first-round picks due to past trades, would need to get creative, possibly involving a third team to sweeten the pot.
But the motivation for the Lakers to make such a move is immense. LeBron James isn’t getting younger, and every season that passes without maximizing his talents is a missed opportunity. Anthony Davis, while elite, has dealt with injuries throughout his Lakers tenure, and asking him to do everything on both ends of the court has taken its toll. Jackson would ease that burden, offering another All-Star caliber player who doesn’t need high usage to be effective. He fits seamlessly next to LeBron as a floor spacer and lob finisher, and he complements Davis defensively in a way that no other current Laker does.
There’s also an intangible component to this potential deal. Jackson is known for his quiet leadership and professional approach, traits that would mesh well in a locker room led by LeBron. He’s been part of a gritty Memphis culture and has playoff experience under his belt. That maturity and big-game exposure would be invaluable for a Lakers team with championship expectations and little room for internal drama. While Memphis may be ready to hit reset, Jackson is still ascending—and in Los Angeles, he could do so under the brightest lights with two all-time greats by his side.
Furthermore, acquiring Jackson could be the first of a series of dominoes for the Lakers. With a Big Three of LeBron, Davis, and Jackson, Los Angeles would instantly become one of the league’s best defensive teams. That trio could rival any frontcourt in the NBA, and the flexibility it offers would give the Lakers numerous options for building out the rest of the roster with shooters and secondary playmakers. It could also serve as a bridge to the post-LeBron era, giving the Lakers a 25-year-old All-Star to anchor their future alongside Davis or another potential star acquisition down the line.
In the ever-competitive Western Conference, standing still is not an option. The Nuggets, Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Thunder are all on the rise or at the peak of their powers. The Lakers must keep pace, and marginal upgrades won’t be enough. They need impact. They need versatility. They need a player who can affect both ends of the court without disrupting their stars’ rhythm. Jaren Jackson Jr. checks every box and then some.
The real question becomes whether the Lakers are willing to meet Memphis’s inevitable high asking price—and whether the Grizzlies are truly ready to part with their defensive anchor. If Memphis continues to move key pieces like Bane, it might only be a matter of time before Jackson is next. If and when that moment comes, expect Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office to pounce. With LeBron’s window narrowing and Davis in his prime, acquiring Jackson could be the bold swing that delivers one more championship to the purple and gold.
In a summer where superstars like Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young could be on the move, don’t overlook the seismic ripple effect of a Jaren Jackson Jr. trade. For the Lakers, it might just be the move that puts them back on top.
