The Los Angeles Lakers are desperate for a real defensive anchor in the middle, but the Jaren Jackson Jr. dream ended almost as quickly as it started. When Rich Paul floated the idea of purple and gold trading for Jackson, the Memphis Grizzlies' big man laughed at it.
Paul brought up the concept on the Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul podcast, suggesting the Lakers should explore a deal with Memphis that centers on Austin Reaves in exchange for Jackson.
Jackson’s elite skills would fit the Lakers perfectly
From a pure basketball standpoint, it is not hard to see why the idea gained traction. The Lakers rank near the bottom of the league defensively, and Jackson is one of the best two-way bigs in the NBA. But Jackson’s response made it clear this was far from reality.
“There’s just a lot of podcasts,” Jackson said via Joe Vardon of The Athletic when asked about the proposal. “At first, I didn’t think it was real. I was figuring out if it was AI, deepfake, all that stuff. I didn’t really have much of a reaction.”
The Lakers would have absolutely loved to have someone like JJJ on the squad. He is a former Defensive Player of the Year, a three-time All-Defense selection. He is still just 26 years old and in his prime.
Even if Jackson wanted to come to Los Angeles, the situation would be complicated. Austin Reaves has taken a major leap this season and has looked like a legitimate running mate next to Luka Doncic. He has beenaveraging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists through 23 games. He has shown he can be a real No. 2 option, especially with LeBron James nearing the end of his career.
That is why moving Reaves is not an easy call. Paul acknowledged that reality, saying any discussion involving Reaves would have to be “unemotional,” even though he is beloved in Los Angeles. Paul also pointed out that Reaves deserves to get paid, something the Lakers will have to confront sooner rather than later.
Still, the Lakers’ need is obvious. They do not just want a center; they need one who can defend, protect the rim, and cover mistakes. Jackson checks all those boxes. He is averaging 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting nearly 37 percent from three, in a season in which Memphis has been dealing with constant lineup changes. Just imagine what he could do with a lineup that features more stability.
However, at the end of the day, wanting a player and being able to get him are two very different things. Jackson’s comments made it clear that this particular pipe dream was never rooted in reality.