
NBA Report: The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired the star guard from the Memphis Grizzlies for $231 million, joining LeBron James and Luka Doncic as the Big Three.
In an unprecedented move, the Los Angeles Lakers have pulled off one of the most remarkable trades in NBA history by acquiring a star guard from the Memphis Grizzlies for a whopping $231 million. This acquisition has sent shockwaves across the basketball world, as the Lakers now boast a “Big Three” consisting of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and the newly acquired star guard. This deal not only strengthens the Lakers’ roster but also creates a formidable trio that promises to dominate the NBA landscape for years to come.
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a bold statement with their recent acquisition, securing the services of one of the NBA’s most electrifying and versatile guards. The player, whose identity remains a closely guarded secret at the time of writing, brings a combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive ability that will complement LeBron James and Luka Dončić’s unique skill sets.
The Lakers’ front office, led by General Manager Rob Pelinka, has been in the news frequently over the past few seasons for its ability to pull off high-profile trades, but this deal is by far the most significant. The reported price tag of $231 million for the star guard underscores the Lakers’ commitment to building a championship-caliber team around LeBron James, who, despite being in the twilight of his career, continues to play at an elite level, and Luka Dončić, one of the most gifted young players the league has ever seen.
The Memphis Grizzlies, a team that has consistently been on the rise in recent seasons, made the difficult decision to part ways with their star guard for the right price. While the Grizzlies have been a competitive team in the Western Conference, they have struggled to consistently make deep playoff runs. With the $231 million trade offer from the Lakers, Memphis found an opportunity to reload and restructure their team, acquiring assets that could better align with their long-term vision.
While it is a painful departure for Grizzlies fans, Memphis has made it clear that they believe this trade opens the door for new opportunities, especially as the Western Conference becomes more competitive each season. This deal also allows them to free up salary cap space and potentially look toward building around their emerging stars, such as Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., while adding more depth to their roster.
The formation of the Lakers’ new Big Three is a move that instantly transforms the NBA landscape. Let’s take a closer look at how each of these players will complement one another:
LeBron James, the future Hall-of-Famer, has been the face of the Los Angeles Lakers since his arrival in 2018. Over the course of his illustrious career, James has proven to be an extraordinary playmaker, scorer, and leader. While his athleticism has naturally declined with age, his basketball IQ and ability to elevate his teammates have not waned. Now at 40 years old, James is looking to make one final push for championships in the twilight of his career. With the addition of two other superstars, LeBron’s role on the team is likely to evolve, but his leadership and clutch performances will still be pivotal.
LeBron has always been an exceptional facilitator, and with the ball-dominant Luka Dončić and the newly acquired guard, James’ ability to play off the ball will make him even more dangerous. Expect LeBron to take on a role that maximizes his basketball intelligence, allowing the younger stars to shine while still contributing in big moments.
Luka Dončić, the 24-year-old prodigy from Slovenia, has already established himself as one of the NBA’s brightest stars. Known for his incredible ball-handling, court vision, and scoring prowess, Dončić has been the centerpiece of the Dallas Mavericks for the past few seasons. His ability to take over games and perform in clutch moments has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players of all time.
In the Lakers’ new Big Three, Dončić will have the opportunity to thrive alongside LeBron James, who will undoubtedly help him take his game to new heights. The pairing of Dončić and the newly acquired guard gives the Lakers one of the most dynamic and versatile backcourts in the league. While Dončić can still be a primary ball-handler, the addition of a star guard will take pressure off him and allow him to focus on scoring and playmaking in a more fluid system.
The newly acquired guard, whose skill set includes elite scoring, playmaking, and defense, is the wildcard in this equation. While he has proven to be a dynamic player in Memphis, the move to Los Angeles will place him in an entirely new spotlight, alongside two of the NBA’s biggest superstars. His ability to stretch the floor, handle the ball, and defend at a high level makes him an excellent fit alongside James and Dončić.
The guard’s shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc, will give the Lakers an added dimension offensively, creating more space for both LeBron and Luka to operate. His defensive prowess will also complement the Lakers’ existing defensive core, making them a more formidable team on that side of the ball. His youth and hunger to win a championship make him the perfect addition to a Lakers team that is primed for a championship run.
The Lakers’ decision to commit $231 million to secure the star guard is a bold financial gamble, but it is one that signals the team’s willingness to go all-in for a championship. This massive contract will put the Lakers in a position where they have one of the highest payrolls in the league, but it is a risk that could pay off in the form of multiple championships over the next few years.
While some may question the financial strain this puts on the team, the Lakers are in a unique position, given their market size, legacy, and fanbase. With the potential of winning multiple championships, the increased revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and global exposure could more than make up for the hefty financial outlay. Additionally, the presence of two of the biggest superstars in the NBA, along with the newly acquired guard, will ensure that the Lakers remain at the forefront of NBA conversations.
With the addition of this new star guard, the Los Angeles Lakers have a championship-caliber roster that could contend for the next few seasons. The window for LeBron James to win another title is closing rapidly, making this acquisition all the more important. LeBron is still playing at an elite level, but with the clock ticking, this move signals the Lakers’ urgency to win now.
Luka Dončić, though young, is already one of the most talented players in the league, and this deal positions the Lakers as one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The newly acquired guard also brings a level of youth and energy to a roster that, while experienced, will benefit from fresh legs and new talent. This trio could dominate the league for the next few years, but the pressure will be on them to deliver championships.
The Western Conference has been historically competitive, and with this new Big Three, the Lakers have positioned themselves as the team to beat. The Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, and other Western Conference contenders will undoubtedly be looking to match the Lakers’ firepower. The addition of the star guard gives the Lakers a roster that can compete with anyone, and the chemistry between LeBron, Luka, and their new teammate will be critical to their success.
The Grizzlies, despite trading their star guard, remain a talented team in the West, with Ja Morant leading the charge. Teams like the Nuggets and Suns will be eager to prove they can dethrone the Lakers, but with the star power now assembled in Los Angeles, it’s clear that the Lakers are the team to watch in the upcoming seasons.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ bold move could signal the beginning of a new era in the NBA, where super teams are built around not just one or two stars, but three or even more elite players. This formation of the Big Three with LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and the newly acquired star guard is the culmination of years of strategic planning and bold decision-making by the Lakers’ front office.
The NBA has seen super teams in the past—teams like the Miami Heat with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, and the Golden State Warriors with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson—but the Lakers’ new Big Three presents a fresh challenge. With LeBron’s leadership and experience, Luka’s prodigious talent, and the newly acquired guard’s all-around game, the Lakers have the potential to redefine what a modern super team looks like.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ acquisition of the star guard from the Memphis Grizzlies for $231 million marks a seismic shift in the NBA. The formation of a new Big Three with LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and this newly acquired star guard gives the Lakers a legitimate chance to dominate the league in the coming seasons. While the financial commitment is significant, the potential rewards in terms of championships and global exposure are even greater.
As the Lakers prepare for what could be one of the most successful and exciting chapters in their storied history, the rest of the NBA is on notice. The new Big Three in Los Angeles has the potential to reshape the landscape of the NBA, and the 2025-2026 season will undoubtedly be one of the most thrilling in recent memory. The question now is not whether the Lakers can win a championship, but how many they can claim before the window on this extraordinary trio begins to close.