Los Angeles Lakers’ Ambitious Offseason: Targeting Jaren Jackson Jr. as the Perfect Complement to Luka Doncic
The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, are gearing up for an ambitious offseason following a disappointing 2024-25 season that ended with a first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The blockbuster acquisition of superstar Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025 signaled the Lakers’ intent to build a championship-contending roster for both the short and long term. However, with LeBron James at 40 years old and potentially nearing the end of his career, the Lakers need a key piece to complement Doncic and prepare for the post-LeBron era. According to recent reports, the Lakers have set their sights on Memphis Grizzlies’ star Jaren Jackson Jr. as the ideal “successor” to LeBron and a perfect partner for Doncic.
Luka Doncic and the Need for a Sustainable Roster
The Lakers made waves by acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a historic trade, parting with star center Anthony Davis, young prospect Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to secure the Slovenian superstar, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. At 26 years old and a five-time All-NBA First Team selection, Doncic provides a foundation for the Lakers’ future. However, their 1-4 playoff loss to the Timberwolves in 2025 exposed critical weaknesses: a lack of roster depth, particularly at the center position, and deficiencies in defensive capabilities.
Despite averaging 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game against Minnesota, Doncic’s defensive shortcomings were exploited, especially by Anthony Edwards, who shot 60% when guarded directly by Doncic. This highlighted the Lakers’ need for a strong defensive presence to maximize Doncic’s potential and compete for a championship.
Jaren Jackson Jr. – The Perfect Fit
According to sources from Sports Illustrated and Yardbarker, the Lakers are targeting Jaren Jackson Jr., the Memphis Grizzlies’ young star, as an ideal solution to bolster their roster. With his elite defensive skills and three-point shooting ability, Jackson Jr. is seen as a potential “successor” to LeBron James and a perfect partner for Luka Doncic in both the short and long term.
Why Jaren Jackson Jr. is the Ideal Choice
Defensive Prowess: Jackson Jr. is one of the NBA’s premier defensive big men, excelling at rim protection and thwarting drives to the basket. His presence would alleviate defensive pressure on Doncic, who has been criticized for his individual defensive weaknesses. With Jackson Jr., the Lakers could build a more robust defensive unit, particularly against high-powered offenses like the Timberwolves.
Offensive Versatility: Unlike traditional centers, Jackson Jr. possesses reliable three-point shooting, making him a great fit for the pick-and-pop plays that Doncic frequently employs. The combination of Doncic’s elite playmaking and Jackson Jr.’s shooting could create a dynamic offensive duo, opening up space for teammates like LeBron James or Austin Reaves.
Long-Term Potential: At 25 years old, Jackson Jr. has significant room for growth. He could serve as a cornerstone alongside Doncic in the post-LeBron era, ensuring the Lakers remain competitive for the next decade.
Challenges of the Trade
Acquiring Jackson Jr. would come at a steep cost. Reports suggest a potential trade package could include Austin Reaves—a fan favorite in Los Angeles but whose long-term fit with Doncic is questionable—along with additional assets like draft picks or young players. Parting with Reaves would be a tough decision for Lakers fans, but landing a star like Jackson Jr. could justify the move.
Furthermore, Jackson Jr.’s contract situation with the Grizzlies presents an opportunity for the Lakers. If Memphis is unwilling to meet his future salary demands or opts to restructure their roster, the Lakers could capitalize with an attractive offer.
The Lakers’ Long-Term Vision
A trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Jaren Jackson Jr. could form a formidable “Big Three,” capable of challenging any opponent in the short term. While LeBron remains a dominant force at 40, Doncic and Jackson Jr. would provide the foundation for the Lakers’ future. General Manager Rob Pelinka has emphasized that adding a high-quality center is a top priority this offseason, and Jackson Jr. appears to be the perfect candidate to fill the void left by Anthony Davis.
Additionally, with reports indicating that Doncic is “fully committed” to the Lakers and likely to sign a $229 million contract extension in August 2025, the team is building around the Slovenian superstar. A successful trade for Jackson Jr. would be a strategic move to ensure the Lakers compete now and maintain their elite status after LeBron’s retirement.
Conclusion
The potential acquisition of Jaren Jackson Jr. is not only a move to strengthen the current roster but also a long-term investment in the post-LeBron James era. With Luka Doncic as the centerpiece, adding a versatile big man like Jackson Jr. could propel the Lakers back to the NBA’s summit. While the cost of such a trade may be high, it’s a move the Lakers cannot afford to overlook if they aim to maximize Doncic’s talent and continue their championship pursuit.