Are the Lakers Plotting Their Next Superteam Move? Jaren Jackson Jr. Emerges as a Shock Trade Target Amid Memphis Uncertainty — Could L.A. Be His Next Blockbuster Destination?
In what could become one of the most surprising plot twists of the NBA offseason, Jaren Jackson Jr. is rapidly becoming a name to watch on the trade radar — and, unsurprisingly, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly circling.
Fresh off a disappointing season that saw the Memphis Grizzlies fall short of expectations, the franchise has already made a major move by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. That deal has raised more than a few eyebrows across the league, sparking intense speculation about whether Memphis is preparing for a minor retool — or bracing for a complete rebuild.
Now, with the roster in flux and the future of the core uncertain, league insiders are reporting that Jaren Jackson Jr. could be the next big name on the block. At just 25 years old, Jackson offers a rare combination of skills: elite rim protection, switchable defense, and legitimate three-point shooting — a modern big man tailor-made for today’s NBA.
Why the Lakers Are Watching Closely
Whenever a high-profile name hits the trade rumor mill, the Lakers are often the first team mentioned — and for good reason. The front office, led by GM Rob Pelinka, has made it a habit of chasing marquee players to extend championship windows and build around superstars.
With LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career and Luka Dončić reportedly in the mix to join L.A., a player like Jackson could be the perfect complementary piece. He brings the defensive presence the team has lacked in recent years and the spacing that allows stars to thrive in isolation or pick-and-roll sets.
In fact, some analysts believe Jackson could be the missing piece to form the next Lakers superteam — offering youth, upside, and playoff experience without the ego or usage rate of a ball-dominant star.
The Grizzlies’ Dilemma: Retool or Reset?
For Memphis, the situation is complicated. Injuries plagued their 2024–25 campaign, and with Ja Morant’s status always in question due to off-court issues, the front office may see an opportunity to cash in on Jackson’s value while it’s at its peak.
If the front office leans toward a reset, trading JJJ would represent a seismic shift — and potentially jumpstart a full-scale rebuild. The Lakers, flush with future assets and willing to move contracts to match salary, are uniquely positioned to make a competitive offer.
What a Deal Might Look Like
While nothing is imminent, sources suggest the Lakers could be willing to package a combination of future first-round picks, young prospects like Max Christie or Jalen Hood-Schifino, and salary-matching veterans in exchange for Jackson. The deal would hinge on Memphis’s willingness to commit to a youth movement — and how aggressive the Lakers want to be in chasing another ring.
It’s still early in the offseason, but where there’s smoke, there’s often fire in the NBA. Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Lakers may seem speculative now, but all the signs of a blockbuster are beginning to align.
For fans, this could be the start of something massive.
