The Los Angeles Lakers are in hot pursuit of a championship-caliber roster to complement their newly acquired superstar, Luka Dončić.
General Manager Rob Pelinka faces immense pressure to bolster the frontcourt, especially after trading Anthony Davis to secure Dončić.
With the 2025-26 season looming, the Lakers’ need for a dominant big man is obvious.
However, one rumored option was swiftly dismissed by a prominent NBA insider.
On Sunday, the Memphis Grizzlies sent shockwaves through the NBA by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and a haul of draft picks.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
The move fueled speculation that Memphis might be open to further roster shake-ups, prompting Lakers fans to dream of a blockbuster deal.
As reported by Heavy.com’s Adam Taylor, the Lakers might be interested in a certain Grizzlies star, but it’s not a productive target for LA, given his unavailability.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to leave no stone unturned in their attempt to build a contending roster around Luka Doncic,” Taylor wrote.
“Rob Pelinka will undoubtedly be driven to give the superstar forward a contending-level supporting cast. When Desmond Bane was traded to the Orlando Magic on Sunday, June 15, some Lakers fans likely began dreaming of a potential deal to acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. The Memphis Grizzlies‘ big man would provide elite-level defense, rebounding and an interior scoring presence. However, in a June 16 episode of ESPN’s ‘Get Up,’ NBA Insider Brian Windhorst killed all talk of a potential Jackson-to-Lakers deal. ‘No chance,’ Windhorst said when asked if Jackson could be dealt to the Lakers. ‘No chance. Absolutely not worth a discussion. Look, I think Jaren Jackson is now in a position to sign a contract extension of over $200 million. I would feel very strongly that’s going to happen.’
“Jackson Jr. is a linchpin in the Grizzlies’ rotation,” Taylor continued.
“It’s highly unlikely the front office moves on from him unless they opt to enter a full-scale rebuild. As such, Pelinka’s search for a new starting-caliber big man will continue. Ideally, he will covet a rim-running big that can provide vertical spacing as a genuine lob-threat.”
Jaren Jackson Jr., the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, would have been an ideal fit in LA. His rim protection and floor-spacing ability would complement Luka’s playmaking and LeBron James’ versatility. However, Windhorst’s emphatic rejection carries weight.
The Lakers now eye alternatives, perhaps including guys like Clint Capela or Brook Lopez, per ClutchPoints.
More NBA: Celtics predicted to cut ties with $285.4 million star in 3-team trade
