Lakers could steal $104 million star forward from Grizzlies after Desmond Bane trade

The Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to make a monumental move in free agency. 

With the Memphis Grizzlies trading Desmond Bane, their third-best asset, to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and one first-round pick swap on Sunday, the Lakers could send Memphis into full rebuild mode by stealing a dynamic forward from the organization this summer. 

After Los Angeles swapped Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic on the second day of February, Jaren Jackson Jr. was among the various big men viewed as potential last-second trade candidates to replace Davis in the frontcourt. 

Although Jackson’s rebounding is subpar for his height (he averaged 5.6 rebounds at 6-foot-10), the Michigan State product’s improved pick-and-pop production, underrated off-the-dribble playmaking, ball screen discipline, and shot blocking at the rim make him a compelling offseason target for the Lakers.

Jackson contributed 22.2 points and 1.5 blocks per game in Year 7, shooting 48.8% from the field and 37.5% from three-point land. 

Jackson is slated to make $23 million next year, which classifies him as a more expensive trade option. However, there’s no question the Lakers have the assets to make a deal happen sooner rather than later. 

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The franchise could include Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura, and one or two future first-round draft picks in a trade package for Jackson this summer.

According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, the Grizzlies aren’t expected to move on from Jackson, but crazier things have happened in the big leagues. 

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