LOS ANGELES – In a blockbuster move that has shaken the NBA landscape, the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies in a deal worth $231 million over five years. The 6-foot-11 shot-blocking, floor-stretching phenom is set to join forces with LeBron James and recently acquired superstar Luka Dončić, creating a new “Big 3” that instantly re-establishes the Lakers as title favorites.
The deal, finalized late Friday night, ends Jackson Jr.’s tenure in Memphis where he evolved into one of the league’s premier two-way big men. The 24-year-old, who won the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, averaged 21.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game last season. His rare combination of rim protection, mobility, and shooting range made him a coveted piece for several contending teams—but it was the Lakers who made the boldest push.
“Adding a player like Jaren doesn’t happen every day,” Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said in a press conference on Saturday morning. “His ability to anchor a defense, stretch the floor, and adapt to different play styles fits exactly what we envision alongside LeBron and Luka.”
The trade, while massive, did not come cheap. The Lakers are believed to have sent a package including rising talent Austin Reaves, veteran big man Jarred Vanderbilt, multiple first-round picks (2026, 2028, and a 2030 pick swap), and financial assets to Memphis. The Grizzlies, now leaning into a rebuild following Ja Morant’s indefinite absence due to injury and team restructuring, saw this as the right time to maximize Jackson’s value.
For the Lakers, this move signals an all-in approach. With LeBron James entering what could be his final NBA season and Luka Dončić under contract but with increasing eyes from rival franchises, the front office is sparing no effort to build a superteam capable of immediate contention. This new trio blends experience, youth, and complementary skill sets.
LeBron James, now 40, still commands respect with his elite basketball IQ, leadership, and ability to control the tempo. Dončić, the Slovenian sensation, brings offensive brilliance, creativity, and unmatched scoring prowess. And now, with Jackson Jr., the Lakers boast a modern big who can switch on defense, space the floor with his 3-point shooting, and provide vertical spacing in the paint.
“It’s crazy to think about the kind of talent we’re putting on the floor next season,” Dončić said in a statement posted on social media. “Jaren is a beast on both ends, and I can’t wait to share the court with him and Bron.”
Critics, however, are raising questions about depth and injury concerns. Jackson Jr. has a history of minor lower-body injuries, and the Lakers’ current cap situation will make building a strong supporting cast difficult under the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Yet, Pelinka remains confident.
“We’ve assembled stars who want to win and are willing to sacrifice,” he noted. “The rest will fall into place.”
For the Memphis Grizzlies, this marks the end of an era that once promised championship contention. With Morant’s future in question and key veterans departing, the franchise is pivoting toward a full-scale rebuild. However, sources close to the team suggest they are excited about developing their young core and leveraging their draft capital.
The 2025-2026 season is now shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory. NBA fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this newly-formed juggernaut in Los Angeles performs. Will the combination of LeBron’s experience, Luka’s dominance, and Jackson Jr.’s defensive versatility be enough to bring banner No. 18 to the Staples Center rafters?
One thing is certain—the Lakers are no longer building for the future. They’re chasing glory now.
