The Los Angeles Lakers [need stability at center](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-must-preserve-cap-space-budding-superstar-free-agency) and the Memphis Grizzlies could have an ideal resolution on their roster. Though point guard Ja Morant is the star at the heart of persistent trade rumors, it's Jaren Jackson Jr. whom the Lakers should at least consider making a run at.
Jackson has become a polarizing figure due to his poor rebounding numbers, but his two-way value remains significant to a Los Angeles team in need of his exact strengths.
The Lakers have spent the better part of the post-Bryant era searching for answers at the center position. Long gone are the days of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, let alone the short-lived first tenure of Dwight Howard.
The Lakers have instead traded Ivica Zubac [for a dreadful return](https://lakeshowlife.com/magic-johnson-most-painful-lakers-trade-mistake-suddenly-begging-fixed), attempted to convince Anthony Davis to play a position he's unhappy at, and gambled with exceptions and minimum salaries.
With a trade for Jackson, however, Los Angeles would finally find a long-term answer down low. Jackson signed a five-year, $205 million renegotiation and extension that includes a $53.5 million player option for the 2029-30 season.
If the Lakers believe they can justify the salary, then they'd be proceeding with a third star who actually thrives on the defensive end of the floor. That's simply a big if.
Lakers must thoroughly explore if Jaren Jackson Jr. fits
--------------------------------------------------------
Jackson's strengths are clear as day. He's one of the best defenders in the NBA, with the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award and three All-Defense nods over the past four seasons providing evidence to how highly regarded he is.
Even during a turbulent 2025-26 season, Jackson ranks in the 99th percentile in rim protection, the 92nd percentile in screener mobile defense, and the 77th percentile in perimeter isolation defense, per Basketball Index.
For a Lakers team that's building around two erratic defenders in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, Jackson's elite defensive versatility could prove invaluable. He blows up the pick and roll, protects the rim to the point of deterring slashers from even trying him, and is comfortable guarding the perimeter.
Jackson also ranks in the 81st percentile in post defense, thus suggesting he can have more success against back-to-the-basket bigs than the Lakers have experienced in previous seasons.
There's also reason to believe Jackson could potentially play alongside current starter Deandre Ayton in certain lineups. His defensive versatility and career 35.1 percent mark from beyond the arc would enable him to play the 4, which could help resolve the overall rebounding concerns.
The remaining questions are simple: Would the Lakers' offer of cap relief and draft compensation be enough? And, perhaps most importantly, would Jackson be worth the money?
It's the primary reason Jackson is a trade target and not a player the Lakers should instantly go all-in on. His strengths undoubtedly fit what Los Angeles needs, but his rebounding woes and contract should give Rob Pelinka every reason to think twice.
To remove Jackson from the radar entirely would be irresponsible, which is exactly why he must remain a target the Lakers thoroughly explore the fit of before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.