The Los Angeles Lakers have question marks at the power forward and center positions. The starting 4 job is still up for grabs ahead of the 2026-27 regular season and the backup center role is still something of a question mark despite the presence of Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Though it'd be an unorthodox solution to the problem at hand, a trade for Memphis Grizzlies big GG Jackson is suddenly an at least somewhat realistic option to consider.
Jackson, 21, is a fourth-year player who represents the manner in which hybrid players have found a niche in the NBA. He's 6'9" and 210 pounds with a 7'0" wingspan and looks the part of an ideal power forward. He played significant minutes at three different positions in 2025-26, however, with 23 percent of his minutes spent at the 3, 33 percent at the 4, and 43 percent at the 5, per Basketball Reference.
That alone makes Jackson quite an intriguing player to monitor after Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that the Grizzlies are exploring the trade market for him.
"I'm told, however, that the Grizzlies have been exploring potential trade markets for GG Jackson II and Walter Clayton Jr. Which is quite a turn from Memphis' original stance on Clayton."
As a versatile defender and offensive player who could realistically thrive in a Luka Doncic led system, Jackson could answer the Lakers' questions at the 4 and even play minutes at the 5.
Grizzlies are reportedly open to trading GG Jackson
Jackson is coming off of a season during which he averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.9 offensive boards, 1.5 assists, 0.8 blocks, 0.6 steals, and 1.2 three-point field goals made in 21.4 minutes per game. He did so on .496/.332/.742 shooting.
For as solid as those numbers already are, they're even more impressive when translated to 21.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.5 offensive boards, 2.5 assists, 1.3 blocks, 0.9 steals, and 2.0 threes per 36 minutes.
He's not the most efficient shooter, but it's worth noting that he's begun rectifying that issue during the preseason. He shot 2-of-4 from beyond the arc during the opener, 3-of-5 during the Grizzlies' second outing, and 1-of-3 the next time out.
If Jackson's three-point evolution lasts, then he'll be the type of do-it-all player the Lakers are likely dreaming of starting at the 4.
Lakers should give serious consideration to 4-5 hybrid GG Jackson
In terms of what Jackson is known to do well, he ranked in the 97th percentile in defensive positional versatility during the 2025-26 season, per Basketball Index. He also ranked in the 98th percentile in rim shot creation, the 88th percentile in rim shot making efficiency, and the 76th percentile in perimeter isolation defense.
With Doncic and Austin Reaves improving Jackson's shot quality with their playmaking, he should also be able to at least hold defenses accountable with his jumper.
The cause for concern here is that Jackson missed 27 games in 2025-26, 53 in 2024-25, and 34 in 2023-24. As such, pursuing a trade would require the Lakers to gamble on his availability improving while playing in a new environment in a fairly demanding role.
The good news: Jackson is owed just $2,406,205 for the 2026-27 season. Los Angeles could therefore open negotiations at, say, Dalton Knecht and draft compensation.
The question is simple: Is Jackson's injury history and expiring contract enough of a deterrent to discourage a trade? If the Lakers feel it isn't, they could realistically bring in a starting-caliber talent with youth and versatility on their side.
It's by no means a trade that the Lakers are guaranteed to be able to make, nor one without potential flaws. Jackson is, however, an unorthodox solution to the problem at hand and a talent they must consider.
Add us as a preferred source on Google