The Los Angeles Lakers found a hidden gem following the 2022 NBA Draft when they took a chance on Scotty Pippen Jr., handing him a two-way deal after the son of the NBA legend went undrafted. They have been forced to watch from afar as Pippen emerged with the Memphis Grizzlies since then.
2024-25 was a breakout campaign for the former Lakers guard. Pippen averaged 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals in 21.3 minutes per game for the Grizzlies.
Memphis managed to get the former Laker on a bargain of a contract before the full breakout season. On Oct. 15, 2024, Pippen signed a four-year, $9.6 million deal with the Grizzlies. That includes a team option for the 2027-28 season.
Despite the breakout guard giving the Grizzlies every reason to open up more playing time for him in 2025-26, the team is trending in the other direction. Their recent moves could have Pippen desperately clawing for minutes next season.
Guard rotation suddenly overflowing in Memphis
The Grizzlies opened up the offseason with a bang, connecting with the Orlando Magic for the first blockbuster trade of the summer. Memphis acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and one pick swap for Desmond Bane.
Hidden among the first-round draft capital and a ruined opportunity for the Lakers to reunite with another former player is a backup point guard. Anthony will immediately get an opportunity to figure into the guard rotation for the Grizzlies.
We have acquired guard-forward Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for guard Cole Anthony, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and multiple future first round draft picks. pic.twitter.com/IL1Bg4xViB
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) June 15, 2025
The former Magic guard has averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from 3-point in his career down in Orlando. Anthony needed a new environment after playing the lowest minutes per game (18.4) of his career during 2024-25.
Pippen's battle for minutes next season grew even tougher when the Grizzlies signed another breakout guard in Ty Jerome. The Cleveland Cavaliers guard had his best season as a pro ahead of free agency.
Jerome posted 12.5 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, with impressive shooting splits of 52-44-87, during 70 regular-season appearances in 2024-25. The Grizzlies clear saw someone worth taking a chance on here as well.
For good measure, Memphis also selected Javon Small in the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite Pippen's arrival as a capable backup, all of the Grizzlies' moves suggest the young guard being on thin ice with his new team after a noticeable effort to boost the backcourt.
Perhaps the three-year pro can work his way back to Los Angeles. The Lakers do have a clear need at the backup point guard spot after another lackluster Gabe Vincent season.
Pippen's upcoming season in Memphis projects to be an uphill battle to continue showcasing his deservedness of NBA minutes. Lakers fans will want to keep a close eye on their former guard.