The Los Angeles Lakers are on a downward spiral in mid-January.
The franchise has lost its last three games and continues to show minimal signs of improvement defensively. Luckily for the Lakers, there’s still time to complete a defensive-minded trade to positively alter their production on that end of the floor.
According to LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, parting ways with Austin Reaves in favor of a 26-year-old two-time All-Star wouldn’t be a bad idea for Los Angeles.
“If I was the Lakers I would be targeting the Memphis Grizzlies as a trade partner for Jaren Jackson,” Paul said Monday.
“If you’re building around Luka you need that anchor. Jaren doesn’t want to be apart of a rebuild… if you’re able to trade out expirings and trade the last 1st you got or you can withhold and give up less but this comes with a more unemotional attachment because Austin is beloved.”
“There’s a world you can do what’s best for your team, and what’s best for Austin. Austin deserves to get paid… Memphis would definitely pay Austin. He would become their leading scorer and PG.”
Although Deandre Ayton is a clear upgrade over Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len, he can’t be depended upon to provide maximum effort on both ends consistently and be the game-changing frontcourt asset they need.
Jackson, on the other hand, is a high-motor big man who has a multi-dimensional offensive skill set and, most importantly, an elite interior defender.
Jackson has underperformed as a rebounder with the Grizzlies, but his well-rounded game helps him make up for his shortcomings in that department.
The Michigan State product is averaging 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game with Memphis this season, shooting 47.9% from the field and 36.1% from three-point land.
While Reaves has been brilliant for the Lakers this season, the 17-time NBA champions must prioritize their most significant need this trade season.
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