The Los Angeles Lakers sit at 23-13, a decent record good for fifth place in the Western Conference. However, everyone knows that with LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the way, the team’s ceiling is much higher.
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It’s no secret that the Lakers have struggled defensively this season. They rank in the bottom ten in the league in opposition field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and assist rate. This lack of defensive effort has caught up with them, and they have gone 4-6 in their last 10 games.
To turn things around, Rich Paul, James’s agent, floated the idea of trading Austin Reaves in a deal for Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies.
“If I were the Lakers, I would be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson,” Paul said on the Game Over podcast.
And why not? Jaren Jr.’s defensive resume speaks for itself. He is a two-time all-star, block champion, and even won the Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23.
“If you’re building around Luka, you need that anchor. Jaren doesn’t want to be a part of a rebuild,” James’ agent added.
Pairing Jackson with Doncic would make a lot of sense. He can provide a strong defensive presence on the back line whenever Doncic gets beat off the dribble.
Rich Paul says if he ran the Lakers, he would call Memphis Grizzlies to trade for Jaren Jackson Jr for a package with Austin Reaves
“If I was the Lakers I would be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson… If you’re building around Luka you need… pic.twitter.com/vEj647cWfT
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) January 12, 2026
However, the suggestion came with a massive catch. Paul said that the Lakers would most likely have to part ways with Reaves as a central piece. That would be a significant risk since the fifth-year guard is having a career season and has become a fan favorite.
“There’s a world where you can do what’s best for your team, and you can do what’s best for Austin. Because Austin deserves to get paid,” Paul added. “Memphis would definitely pay Austin. He would become their leading scorer and point guard.”
With news that Ja Morant is actively being shopped by the Grizzlies, Paul’s suggestion carried real merit. Reaves would be an ideal replacement for Morant, with the potential to grow into the new face of the franchise.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jr. would get what he wants as well: An opportunity to compete for a title, something that would feel new at this stage of his career. He could be a valuable addition who pushes the Lakers firmly into title-contender status.
It will be interesting to see whether the Lakers explore any radical deals like this with the trade deadline approaching. Last season, they shocked the league by trading for Doncic. Do they have another curveball up their sleeves this time around?
Right now, the Lakers are still a special team, but it feels like they lack that extra edge to take them over the top. Jaren Jr. could provide that push. Reaves could, too, however, which is why the Lakers may ultimately shy away from a move this bold.
