{"id":119269,"date":"2025-06-23T20:35:10","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T20:35:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/119269\/"},"modified":"2025-06-23T20:35:10","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T20:35:10","slug":"lakers-predicted-to-acquire-grizzlies-dpoy-for-a-costly-package-including-their-third-star","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/119269\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers Predicted To Acquire Grizzlies’ DPOY For A Costly Package Including Their Third Star"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lakers Predicted To Acquire Grizzlies’ DPOY For A Costly Package Including Their Third Star <\/a> originally appeared on Fadeaway World<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> may be gearing up for another blockbuster trade, with reports swirling around their interest in acquiring Defensive Player of the Year winner Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/a> from the Memphis Grizzlies<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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After sending Desmond Bane to Orlando in a massive deal<\/a>, Memphis appears to be toeing the line between retooling and full-scale rebuilding<\/a>, and the Lakers, in desperate need of a reliable two-way center, are ready to pounce.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/p>\n

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, 2031 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick<\/p>\n

According to NBA insider Bailey Bassett<\/a>, a proposed trade would send Jackson Jr. to Los Angeles in exchange for Austin Reaves<\/a>, Dalton Knecht<\/a>, Maxi Kleber, and a 2031 first-round pick.<\/p>\n

With LeBron James<\/a> and Luka Doncic<\/a> at the helm, the Lakers have a glaring void at center after trading Anthony Davis<\/a> to Dallas earlier this year. They were forced to rely on patchwork lineups featuring Jaxson Hayes<\/a>, Jarred Vanderbilt<\/a>, and Rui Hachimura<\/a> during the playoffs, none of whom could provide the interior defense, rim protection, or scoring that Jackson Jr. brings.<\/p>\n

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Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/a> is not just a stopgap big man. He averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks during the 2024\u201325 season. He shot 37.5% from three-point range and has emerged as a legitimate scoring threat inside and out. He\u2019s also just two seasons removed from leading the league in blocks and winning Defensive Player of the Year.<\/p>\n

Adding him would give the Lakers the modern stretch-big they desperately need and elevate them into serious contention.<\/p>\n

From Memphis\u2019s perspective, the deal is tempting but not a slam dunk. After the Bane trade netted four first-round picks, a pick swap, and two rotation-ready players, the bar for moving a franchise cornerstone like Jackson is sky-high.<\/p>\n

The Lakers\u2019 offer includes Reaves, who averaged over 20 points this past season, and Knecht, a sharpshooting rookie, along with veteran Maxi Kleber and one late pick. It’s solid, but not overwhelming.<\/p>\n

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However, the clock is ticking for the Grizzlies. Jackson is under contract through 2026, but without an All-NBA selection, he\u2019s not eligible for a supermax extension. That makes retaining him long-term a financial risk, especially with Ja Morant<\/a> also locked into a max deal. Trading Jackson now could allow Memphis to maximize value, clear cap space, and reshape the roster with young, controllable assets.<\/p>\n

Bill Simmons, who couldn\u2019t help but fire off a tongue-in-cheek prediction after the Desmond Bane blockbuster<\/a>. The Ringer founder joked, \u201cNow watch Rob Pelinka trade Rui [Hachimura] and a 2032 first for Jaren Jackson,\u201d clearly mocking the Lakers\u2019 reputation for getting away with wildly lopsided deals.<\/p>\n

The Lakers, meanwhile, are in win-now mode. LeBron James, the NBA\u2019s all-time minutes leader, can\u2019t be expected to carry interior defensive duties deep into his 40s.<\/p>\n

Luka Doncic also thrives when surrounded by versatile shooters and rim protectors, making Jackson a seamless fit. Acquiring JJJ would create a new big three in L.A.\u2014LeBron, Luka, and Jaren, poised to dominate both ends of the court.<\/p>\n

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Still, other teams with more draft capital and younger assets may outbid the Lakers if Jackson becomes available. But if Rob Pelinka<\/a> can pull off another heist like the Luka trade, the Lakers could enter the 2025\u201326 season as overwhelming favorites.<\/p>\n

Related: Trade Proposal Between Lakers And Celtics Looks Like Win-Win For Both Teams<\/a><\/p>\n

This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World<\/a> on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.<\/p>\n