Lakers Will Not Be Trading for $105 Million NBA Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 5:35 PM ET

Following their first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers have some major decisions they must make this summer.

In February, the Lakers shocked the basketball world by acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. As they prepare for their first full season with the Slovenian native, the Lakers must do what they can to bolster their roster and maximize their championship window. This includes addressing a few of their biggest needs, such as adding a reliable center.

While the Lakers have plenty of talent, they do not have a legitimate big man in their starting lineup. Though there are a few potential candidates for Los Angeles to pursue in the offseason, there is one specific trade that the team is not likely to make.

One of the biggest names who could find themselves on the trade market this summer is Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr., who has one year remaining on his four-year, $104.7 million contract. Naturally, if the Grizzlies opt to move on from him, the Lakers could make sense as a destination. However, this does not seem like a real possibility (h/t Brian Windhorst on ESPN's Get Up).

According to Windhorst, there is "no chance" the Lakers acquire the Michigan State alum. Furthermore, Windhorst said it is "Absolutely not worth a discussion."

"No chance. No chance. Absolutely not worth a discussion," Windhorst said about the Lakers possibly trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. "Look, I think Jaren Jackson is now in position to sign a contract extension of over $200 million. I would feel very strongly that’s going to happen."

Like the Lakers, the Grizzlies also suffered a first-round playoff loss when they got swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have already traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, and other moves could be coming for them. However, as it stands, one of those moves is not likely to be sending Jackson Jr. to Los Angeles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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