The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to make any moves before the 2026 NBA trade deadline, and while defense remains their top priority in trade rumors, the potential targets they’ve reportedly had their eyes on appear to still be available.
However, recent comments from LeBron James might signal otherwise, specifically as it relates to Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies, who, like Ja Morant, could very well be available in a deal.
James pushed back against the notion offered up by his agent, Rich Paul, that the Lakers should target Jackson in a trade that would send Austin Reaves back to Memphis, but that might be the team’s best option if they want to compete long-term with Luka Doncic.
(via Game Over Pod, h/t @HeatCulture13)
James is clearly no longer the team’s leading star, he’s admitted that himself. But while he made his stance clear on Paul’s comments and his connection with Reaves, if Jackson is available, he could very well transform the future of the Lakers, especially if James is on his way out.
Lakers In The Hunt For Jaren Jackson Jr. In Trade Rumors
Writing for Bleacher Report, Eric Pincus named the Lakers as a realistic landing spot for Jackson, should the Grizzlies choose to move away from him and start a rebuild, whether that includes Morant or not.
Paul said Jackson would be a good fit on the Lakers, and despite James’ separating himself from that claim, it isn’t the worst idea in the world.
“If you’re building around Luka [Doncic] going forward, which they are, you need that anchor,” Paul said on his podcast. “And Jaren doesn’t want to be a part of a rebuild.”
Jackson signed a five-year, $240 million extension with the Grizzlies over the summer. While there are still some concerns about injuries and overall availability, he’d be a strong defense anchor and lob threat next to Doncic.
“At just 26, he is a young, talented defensive scorer averaging 18.5 points a game this season. At 36.1 percent from three-point range (37.5 percent last season), he is prolific enough of an outside threat to help space the floor,” Pincus wrote on Jackson. “While he’s “only” averaging 1.5 blocks a game this year, his career high is 3.0; the hope being Jackson’s numbers would jump if he was placed on a much better team than the 17-22 Grizzlies.”
Though giving up Reaves in a deal wouldn’t come easy, especially with James’ latest comments, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office have made it clear they are ready to build around Doncic going forward. He’s proved lethal with versatile big men, and if Jackson does become available, despite his high price tag, he might be the best big man available at the deadline or over the summer.
Lakers Get Good News On Other Top Trade Targets
While the Lakers-Jackson trade connection is new, Los Angeles still appears interested in two targets they’ve had their eyes on for a while: Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Despite the report from NBA insider Chris Haynes that New Orleans isn’t interested in moving him, Pincus still named the Lakers as a realistic landing spot for the wing. He would offer much-needed 3-and-D ability next to Doncic, and could also take a brunt of the scoring responsibility that head coach JJ Redick has recently addressed as a concern for the team, despite Doncic and James still putting up strong offensive numbers.
“What team couldn’t use a 27-year-old, 6’7” defensive wing earning roughly the league average this season?” Pincus asked.
Additionally, the Lakers have recently been linked to Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors, according to insider Jake Fischer. It isn’t the first time Los Angeles has been named as a landing spot for the controversial wing, but per Fischer, a deal wouldn’t come easy.
“I reported that the Lakers have some interest in him. They checked in over the summer,” Fischer said on Bleacher Report’s NBA Insider Notebook. “The Lakers are continuing to look at all options on the 3-and-D wing market right now, and they’re not finding many. So, of course, Jonathan Kuminga is on their list. But I think for either team to get him, they’re going to need to find some type of three-team arrangement.”
With just over three weeks before the trade deadline, Los Angeles still has some of their targets within reach. It will just come down to how much they are willing to shell out to put talent around Doncic for the future.
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