Despite a disappointing first-round exit in the 2024 playoffs, the Lakers have a clear plan for the future. The Lakers will be trying to build a contender around 26 years old superstar Luka Doncic.
The Lakers have trade pieces such as Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht that could be traded for a player that better fits the offensive system and compliments the defensive system with Luka Doncic and Lebron James.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
With the Grizzlies’ disappointing stretch to end the regular season, Jaren Jackson Jr. was not named to an All-NBA team, which means he will not be eligible to sign a five-year extension worth up to $345.3 million this offseason. The Grizzlies can offer him no more than a four-year extension worth $146.8 million unless they create cap space this summer.
If Jaren Jackson Jr. does not agree to the extension, the Lakers could trade Austin Reaves and multiple picks for the All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year. This will immensely improve the Lakers’ interior defense and add a third option to the Lakers offense. Furthermore, the former All-Star played with Ja Morant and is familiar with an off-ball role, which makes him fit into the Lakers’ offensive system instantly.
The 2 times All-Star averaged 22 points last season and is only 25 years old, which makes him one year younger than Luka Doncic. The two stars can make the Lakers contenders for the many seasons following, especially after Lebron James’ retirement in the near future.
The League Leader 
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