The Lakers could change that by pulling off a blockbuster trade with the Memphis Grizzlies for Marcus Smart and Jaren Jackson Jr. With the Grizzlies being without Ja Morant for an extended period due to a hip injury, they could fall in the standings, which may cause them to trade some of their big names.
In a possible trade, the Lakers could send D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino and draft picks to Memphis for Jackson Jr. and Smart.
Jackson Jr., the 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year, has had a great start to the season. He is averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 52.7% from the field and 35.3% from three. By adding him next to Davis in the frontcourt, the Lakers would create one of the NBA’s most dominant defensive frontcourts while also adding another reliable scorer.
While Jackson Jr. has had a great start to the season, it has been the complete opposite for Smart. The 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year is averaging only 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1 steal per game. He has also struggled shooting the ball as he is shooting just 30.0% from the field and 21.4% from three.
While Smart has struggled offensively, it is likely that he could turn it around in Los Angeles while also giving them an elite perimeter defender.
By making this trade, the Lakers would fix their defensive woes while also adding two more great players to try and capture the franchise’s 18th championship
