The Lakers do not need a minor tweak at the trade deadline. They need a move that fundamentally changes their playoff ceiling.
That is why a recent comment from Rich Paul, made on his podcast, immediately caught attention around the league. Paul suggested a deal framework centered on Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr., and it is one of those ideas that is painful precisely because it makes so much sense.
Why Rich Paul’s idea changes the conversation
When Rich Paul speaks publicly about roster construction, it rarely feels accidental. As one of the NBA’s most influential power brokers, his comments tend to reflect how teams and executives actually think.
A Reaves for Jackson Jr. concept was framed as a basketball discussion rather than a report. Still, once that possibility is voiced, it becomes impossible to ignore. The Lakers front office is well aware that emotional attachment cannot outweigh structural flaws.
Reaves is beloved for good reason. He is homegrown, affordable, and has proven he can perform under the brightest lights in Los Angeles. Trading him would feel like ripping out part of the team’s identity.
Why Jaren Jackson Jr. fixes the Lakers' biggest problem
From a purely basketball perspective, Jaren Jackson Jr. is close to a perfect solution for the Lakers. He is an elite defender, a former Defensive Player of the Year, and one of the few bigs who can protect the rim while also spacing the floor as a three-point shooter.
Against teams like the Thunder, those traits are critical. Oklahoma City thrives on attacking the paint, playing with pace, and forcing defensive rotations that break down slower frontcourts.
Insert Jackson Jr. into the Lakers lineup and the geometry of those matchups changes immediately. Driving lanes shrink, help defense becomes more reliable, and perimeter defenders can apply more pressure. If the Lakers nailed this move, the Thunder would have a real reason to worry about a playoff series.
This could still be a win-win deal for the Lakers and Grizzlies
For the Grizzlies, this trade is not a step backward. Reaves could become a cornerstone of a reshaped roster, offering efficient scoring, secondary playmaking, and leadership without the pressure of a superstar market.
From a market perspective, both teams address core needs. Memphis gains a reliable guard to stabilize its future, while the Lakers add the defensive anchor they have been missing.
There are still open questions. Jackson Jr. would need to fit into the current chemistry, and Reaves would almost certainly prefer to stay in Los Angeles, where he has thrived. Those human factors matter. It also seems JJJ did not seem convinced about the proposal.
Still, trade deadlines reward bold decisions. Right now, it feels increasingly true that whoever ends up with Jaren Jackson Jr. may be the team that wins the deadline and possibly shifts the balance of power in the Western Conference.