The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a devastating first-round playoff loss, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, and improvements are needed.
The Lakers had the NBA’s most obvious lineup need, and their lack of a true big man ultimately lost them the season. The Lakers traded superstar big man Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic. Now that they have Doncic as an offensive-minded guard to handle the offense, they may consider trading one of their other players for Anthony Davis.
The Lakers may seek to recruit a defensive-minded big man to complement Luka Doncic and LeBron James, but parting ways with budding star Austin Reaves could be the answer.
In this deal, the Lakers send Austin Reaves to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Jaren Jackson Jr., a two-time All-Star and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23.
Jaren Jackson Jr. joins the Los Angeles Lakers.
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt
Of course, a blockbuster deal like this would most certainly require additional components, but the framework may benefit both parties. The Lakers will be desperate to add a big man this offseason, and Jackson Jr. would be an excellent match alongside Doncic and James.
This season, Jackson Jr. averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 37.5% from three-point range, continuing to enhance his offensive game while remaining an outstanding defender.
The Grizzlies’ addition of Austin Reaves would be an interesting match next to Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, but the 26-year-old guard improved dramatically this season and may be an excellent on-ball creator in Memphis.
Both teams might find it difficult to part ways with their respective stars, but it could be a tremendous move to help propel each brand forward.
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