JJ Redick, Lakers
Getty
Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks.
Former Los Angeles Lakers two-way center Trey Jemison III is drawing interest from other NBA teams after missing out on a roster spot amid a shakeup.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Jemison, 25, is among the players the New York Knicks are considering for one of their remaining two-way roster spots. “Big man Trey Jemison III is among the players on New York’s radar as they plan for camp,” Begley reported, citing league sources.
Jemison’s Lakers Role
Trey Jemison III, Knicks
Getty Trey Jemison III of the Los Angeles Lakers pushes Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers to draw a double technical foul.
Jemison split last season between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, South Bay, on a two-way deal. In 22 NBA appearances, the 6-foot-11 center averaged 2.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in 10.3 minutes while providing toughness off the bench. In the G League, he posted 10.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game, showing his ability to contribute on both ends of the court.
He provided a physical presence for Los Angeles, particularly after the Lakers traded 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis to acquire Luka Dončić. Jemison’s size and grit gave the Lakers frontcourt depth, but offseason additions shifted the roster hierarchy.
Frontcourt Logjam
Los Angeles signed Deandre Ayton from the buyout market and retained Jaxson Hayes as a backup center. Christian Koloko joined on a two-way deal, leaving Jemison out of the Lakers’ plans. The team now has only one two-way slot remaining for training camp, which is expected to be competitive with prospects including Lithuanian guard Augustas Marciulionis, North Carolina’s RJ Davis, Villanova big man Eric Dixon, Arthur Kaluma, and center Kyllor Kelley vying for it.
“Nothing the Lakers do is under the radar, so this potential pitfall might seem more obvious than the other contenders’ concerns,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote. “But until proved otherwise, L.A. is soft in the middle.”
Ayton’s High-Stakes Season
The Lakers’ reliance on Jemison’s toughness underscores the urgency surrounding Ayton, who is entering a pivotal season.
Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Lakers
Getty Deandre Ayton will benefit playing alongside Luka Doncic in the Los Angeles Lakers.
Playing alongside Dončić gives Ayton opportunities he didn’t consistently find in Phoenix or Portland. Screens for Dončić have produced a 63% effective field goal rate when finishing plays, the best mark for any high-usage ball handler in the NBA, according to ESPN’s Kevin Pelton. For a versatile big man like Ayton, that could be a game-changer.
Ayton’s past has been marked by stretches of uninspired play and injury concerns. Last season with Portland, he averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Health and consistent effort will be crucial if he hopes to solidify a long-term role with the Lakers.
Moreover, Ayton is effectively playing for his next contract. He can opt out of his $8 million player option in 2026-27 if he has a strong campaign with the Lakers. Failure to perform at a high level could jeopardize his status as a premier big man in the league.
Jemison’s Appeal Elsewhere
Jemison’s combination of size, toughness, and versatility makes him a candidate for teams looking to add a defensive-minded, physical center. The Knicks, among others, may see him as a depth piece capable of contributing off the bench while he continues to develop his NBA experience.
While Los Angeles moves forward with Ayton, Dončić, and their core rotation, Jemison’s next opportunity could come elsewhere in the league, where his skill set and grit could fill a valuable role for another contender.