Any hope of Jaren Jackson Jr. joining the Los Angeles Lakers has been firmly ruled out by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
During an appearance on Get Up, Windhorst dismissed the idea that the Memphis Grizzlies forward could be targeted by Los Angeles. “No chance. No chance. Absolutely not worth a discussion,” he said when asked if Jackson was a realistic big-man option for the Lakers, via HoopsHype.
Jackson, 25, is coming off his seventh NBA season and averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.8% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. He started all 74 regular season games and remains under contract for one more year at $27.1 million.
Windhorst noted the former Defensive Player of the Year is in a strong position to receive a contract extension exceeding $200 million. “I would feel very strongly that’s going to happen,” Windhorst said, alluding to the Grizzlies’ intent to retain their former No. 4 overall pick.
While the Lakers are in the market for interior help after trading Anthony Davis to Dallas midseason, Jackson is not considered a viable acquisition. The 2024–25 season saw the Lakers finish 50–32 and claim the Pacific Division title, but they were eliminated in five games by Minnesota in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Grizzlies also exited in the first round after being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jackson struggled during the postseason, averaging 16.0 points on just 37.9% shooting across four games. Despite the early exit, Memphis intends to build around him long-term.
The franchise began reshaping its core by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, securing Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap. Jackson, however, remains central to their plans.
Memphis also hired Tuomas Iisalo as its new head coach following Taylor Jenkins’ dismissal in March. With a revamped staff and a healthy Ja Morant expected to return, the Grizzlies are aiming to re-establish themselves among the West’s elite next season.
