NBA report: Lakers Finally Secure $23.4 Million Memphis Star To Two-way Deal, To Rebuild after playoff Elimination – Perfect Fit For Luka Duo

The Los Angeles Lakers entered their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves as the third seed with 50 wins and high expectations. But those hopes were quickly dashed, as the Lakers were eliminated in disappointing fashion on Wednesday.

While blame can be shared across the roster, one glaring issue stood out throughout the series: the lack of a true starting-caliber center.

After backing out of a potential February deal for Mark Williams, the Lakers entered the playoffs undersized in the frontcourt. That decision came back to haunt them against a towering Timberwolves lineup led by Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid. In the series-clinching game, Gobert dominated with 27 points and 24 rebounds, while L.A. stuck with its small-ball approach that never found its footing.

With Jaxson Hayes, Alex Len, and an undersized Jarred Vanderbilt as the only frontcourt options, new head coach JJ Redick was dealt a tough hand. This was less a coaching failure and more a roster miscalculation by the front office.

Fortunately, the Lakers now have a chance to correct course — and they’re wasting no time.

In a bold move to reinforce their frontcourt and complement Luka Dončić, the Lakers have secured Memphis big man Jaren Jackson Jr. on a two-way fit. Known as one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors and shot blockers, Jackson’s $23.4 million salary was matched through a combination of movable contracts: Rui Hachimura ($18.3M), Dorian Finney-Smith ($15.4M), Jarred Vanderbilt ($11.6M), Gabe Vincent ($11.5M), and Maxi Kleber ($11M) all remain trade chips. If L.A. wants to go all-in, they could even explore including Austin Reaves ($13.9M) or promising rookie shooter Dalton Knecht ($4M).

While rebounding has been a noted weakness for Jackson, it’s a skill Luka excels in, making their partnership all the more effective. Jackson also offers offensive versatility — not only as a roll threat but also as a pick-and-pop shooter — opening driving lanes for Luka and spacing the floor better than any big man the Lakers currently have.

This acquisition could mark the start of a retooled, post-elimination Lakers squad built to win now — and built to maximize their superstar duo.