Lakers Finally Make a Move to Bolster Frontcourt Depth

Lakers fans are desperately waiting for trades to improve the roster as we approach the February 6 deadline. Instead of a blockbuster deal, however, the front office continues to make moves on the margins that don't move the needle enough.

The latest of those transactions came on Wednesday evening. First, the Lakers released promising young guard Quincy Olivari. Later, they used that roster spot to sign center Trey Jemison III.

NBA News: Lakers Sign Trey Jemison III

Despite being 25 years old, Jemison is in his second season in the NBA. After starting his collegiate career at Clemson, he transferred to his hometown team, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, following his sophomore season. He played for three more seasons, averaging 9.1 points, and 8.4 rebounds per game as a senior for the UAB Blazers.

He went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft but spent some time with the Wizards and the Grizzlies as a rookie. In fact, he started 14 games for Memphis last season, averaging 7.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game in 24.9 minutes of action.

In the 2024 offseason, he signed with the New Orleans Pelicans and played in 16 games as their third-string center. He continued to be dominant on the boards and in the paint in his limited minutes before getting waived earlier in January.

Jemison's offensive game is a work in progress, to be sure. His contribution on that end comes on the boards. The Lakers will certainly not be relying on him on that end. At six-foot-11 and 260 pounds, Jemison provides physicality and defensive intensity, things that other backup center options like Jaxson Hayes, and Christian Wood (who has yet to play this season) can't offer.

Now, Jemison will try to establish his NBA career in Los Angeles. Even though he is a worthy flyer, the Lakers desperately need to trade for a more proven frontcourt player before the deadline to become a more serious playoff team.

More Lakers news and rumors: