The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring trade options to address a critical weakness at center, and they could be willing to include fan favorite Austin Reaves in a potential deal. The team aims to acquire an All-Star big man to strengthen their interior defense and enhance their championship prospects.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Emerges as a Potential Solution for Lakers’ Center Position
After trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Dončić, the Lakers realized they sacrificed valuable size in the paint—an issue that quickly affected their performance. Despite earning the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, the Lakers were exposed in the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, struggling without an effective rim protector.
Attempts to fill the gap with Jaxson Hayes fell short, and a deal for Mark Williams collapsed due to medical concerns. With limited impact moves available in free agency, the Lakers are now closely monitoring Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. as a possible target.
Jackson, a key player for Memphis, brings a versatile two-way game. Last season, he averaged 22.5 points per game, shooting nearly 49% from the field and boasting a 37.5% three-point percentage, making him a formidable inside-out presence. Defensively, he is a two-time blocks leader, has earned two All-Defensive team selections, and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. At 25 years old, Jackson is reaching his prime and would complement superstar teammates LeBron James and Luka Dončić effectively.
NBA analyst Brandon Austin described Jackson as “the most unlikely option” but emphasized that
“Pelinka and the Lakers would be remiss not to explore every avenue.”
—Brandon Austin, NBA Analyst
He also noted that acquiring Jackson would likely require the Lakers to part with Reaves, a steep but potentially worthwhile cost for an upgrade of this caliber.
Memphis Faces Difficult Decisions Regarding Jaren Jackson Jr.
Despite Jackson’s strong performance, he was overlooked for the All-NBA teams, a factor with significant financial consequences. Eligible for free agency next summer, Jackson’s current contract limits Memphis’ ability to offer him a maximum extension without substantial salary cap restructuring.
Salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan pointed out that Memphis would need to clear additional salary space, including Jon Konchar’s $6.5 million contract, to make a larger offer possible. The Grizzlies have already begun reshaping their roster, trading Marcus Smart and a first-round pick to Washington, but this may not be sufficient to retain Jackson long-term.
With the risk of losing Jackson in free agency next year, the Grizzlies might consider trading him now, especially if a package featuring Austin Reaves becomes available. This situation presents a critical opportunity that Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka must be prepared to act on.
Strategic Importance of the Center Position for the Lakers’ Future
For the Lakers to contend seriously in 2025 and beyond, securing a dominant center is not optional but essential. Strengthening their frontcourt with a player like Jaren Jackson Jr. could provide the defensive presence and scoring versatility they lacked last season. While parting with Austin Reaves would be a difficult decision given his popularity, the potential benefits of such a trade highlight a bold approach by the Lakers to resolve a key roster weakness.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on negotiations involving the Lakers and Memphis as they navigate this complex trade scenario, balancing talent, contracts, and championship aspirations.