OFFICIAL: The Los Angeles Lakers have waived center Trey Jemison III.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially waived center Trey Jemison III, marking the end of his brief tenure with the team. Jemison, who was signed by the Lakers earlier in the offseason, will now be a free agent, and his departure raises questions about the Lakers’ roster decisions and what it means for the team moving forward.

The decision to waive Jemison, a 6’10” center, comes as a surprise to many, especially given his size, athleticism, and potential as a backup big man. But as with all roster moves in the NBA, the Lakers’ front office has clearly made a strategic decision with the team’s current roster construction in mind. Jemison’s exit from the Lakers will inevitably impact the team’s depth at center and provide a clearer picture of their plans for the 2025 season.

Trey Jemison III, a product of UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham), has spent much of his career bouncing between the NBA G League and training camp rosters. Despite his status as an undrafted player, Jemison showed potential in his college days as an athletic, high-energy big man with the ability to defend the rim, run the floor, and protect the basket. His skill set is defined by his athleticism, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability—traits that typically draw the attention of NBA scouts and teams looking for a raw but capable big man who can provide energy off the bench.

During his time at UAB, Jemison was an effective player on both ends of the floor, averaging a solid number of points and rebounds while also showcasing his ability to alter shots defensively. His potential was evident in his ability to play above the rim and contribute as a rim protector, something that most teams covet in today’s NBA, where versatility and athleticism in the frontcourt are paramount.

Jemison’s NBA journey began with a couple of stints in the NBA G League, where he honed his skills and attempted to break through the competition for a full-time NBA role. Despite not being drafted in 2023, Jemison’s performance with the South Bay Lakers and other G League teams demonstrated his ability to contribute, particularly in the areas of rebounding, shot-blocking, and providing energy off the bench.

His signing by the Los Angeles Lakers was seen as a chance for him to prove himself on a larger stage, even if he was never expected to crack the starting lineup. Rather, he was brought in as a developmental player, someone the Lakers could use for depth at the center position or as an emergency option if injuries or other roster challenges arose.

The Lakers’ decision to waive Trey Jemison is part of their ongoing efforts to shape a roster that can make a serious championship push in the 2025 season. The team has already made significant moves this offseason, retooling the roster and adding pieces that they believe will elevate them to the top of the Western Conference. However, not every player on the roster can fit into the plans, and the Lakers’ front office must carefully evaluate each player to determine if they fit within the team’s long-term vision.

There are several reasons why the Lakers may have opted to waive Jemison:

1. Logjam at the Center Position: The Lakers currently have an established starting center in Anthony Davis, arguably one of the best defensive players in the league. Behind Davis, the Lakers have a strong rotation at the forward and center positions, with Jared Vanderbilt, Wenyen Gabriel, and potentially Maxi Kleber all vying for minutes. With such a crowded frontcourt, Jemison may have simply not been able to carve out a spot in the rotation, especially with the team’s emphasis on defense and versatility.
2. Roster Flexibility: The Lakers are in win-now mode, and their front office is constantly looking to make moves that will help them contend for a title in 2025. Waiving Jemison opens up a roster spot for another player, whether that be a veteran addition, a trade acquisition, or even someone who could provide depth at a position of greater need. The Lakers could be looking to add more wing depth, perimeter shooting, or perhaps a more experienced backup big man who can contribute immediately.
3. Developmental Needs: The Lakers have already committed to developing their younger players, such as Austin Reaves, Max Christie, and Jaden Ivey, who are expected to play significant roles moving forward. Jemison, while promising, may not have been seen as a player with a high enough ceiling to warrant the roster spot, especially given the Lakers’ current commitment to veterans and their championship aspirations.
4. Fit within the System: The Lakers have built a roster that is geared toward flexibility, defense, and playmaking. Players like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell are crucial to the team’s success, and the Lakers need role players who can complement their stars. While Jemison is an athletic big man, he may not have fit as seamlessly into the team’s playing style or had the skill set that the Lakers were seeking in their reserve big men. The Lakers may have felt they could get more value from a different player who better matches their system.

The waiver of Trey Jemison doesn’t drastically alter the Lakers’ trajectory for the 2025 season, but it does represent another piece in their puzzle as they fine-tune the roster ahead of training camp and the regular season. For the Lakers, depth and versatility are paramount, and each roster decision they make will have an impact on their ability to compete for an NBA championship.

By waiving Jemison, the Lakers now have an additional roster spot available, which gives them the flexibility to make a move as the season progresses. The team could look to sign another player, potentially a veteran center or forward, to provide more depth in the frontcourt. They could also opt to give one of their young players more time on the floor, such as Max Christie or Jaden Ivey, who could step in to fill any potential gaps left by Jemison’s departure.

Additionally, the Lakers could use the available roster spot to explore potential trade options, whether it’s consolidating players in a larger deal or acquiring a player to fill a specific need. The fact that the Lakers are in win-now mode means that any available spot will be carefully considered in the context of their championship aspirations.

With Jemison now waived, the Lakers’ remaining big men—Anthony Davis, Jared Vanderbilt, and Maxi Kleber—are likely to see more minutes or opportunities to prove themselves. Vanderbilt, who has been a standout defensively for the Lakers, could see more time at both forward and center spots, especially in small-ball lineups. Kleber, who is already known for his ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions, could also see an increased role in both the frontcourt and as a secondary option behind Davis.

The Lakers may also look to their current backup bigs to contribute more than they would have if Jemison had remained on the roster. This could lead to increased opportunities for players like Wenyen Gabriel and Jared Vanderbilt, who both bring important defensive and rebounding qualities to the table.

The Lakers are planning not only for the present but also for the future. Waiving Jemison may represent a move to create roster flexibility, with the idea of staying agile in the face of midseason trades, injuries, or other roster adjustments. The team’s management is constantly assessing the landscape of the NBA and may use this opportunity to make further moves as the regular season unfolds.

The team’s flexibility in the frontcourt will be important, especially as Anthony Davis has struggled with injuries in the past. By waiving Jemison, the Lakers can more easily pivot if they need to make adjustments or add another big man, either through the buyout market or through trade.

The decision to waive Trey Jemison III is one of those moves that may not seem monumental at first, but it could have larger implications as the Lakers make their final preparations for the 2025 season. While Jemison was not expected to have a significant role on the team, his departure adds clarity to the Lakers’ roster construction, which is crucial as they look to build a team that can compete for a championship.

For Jemison, his time with the Lakers has come to an end, but his journey in the NBA is far from over. He will now enter the free agent market, where teams may look to add a player with his athleticism and potential. The Los Angeles Lakers, meanwhile, will continue to focus on their championship window, evaluating each move and player carefully as they prepare for what promises to be a highly competitive 2025 season.

Ultimately, this move speaks to the Lakers’ larger philosophy of flexibility and their drive to build a roster that can go toe-to-toe with the league’s best. Whether this results in more moves down the line remains to be seen, but for now, the Lakers’ roster has a more defined shape heading into the season.