Los Angeles Lakers could sign a Memphis Grizzlies guard for $10.64 million to strengthen their roster, according to NBA offseason rumors.

Los Angeles Lakers Could Sign a Memphis Grizzlies Guard for $10.64 Million to Strengthen Their Roster, According to NBA Offseason Rumors

As the NBA offseason heats up, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to be at the center of trade and free agency rumors. The Lakers, a franchise with a rich history of making blockbuster moves, are looking to solidify their roster and position themselves as legitimate championship contenders. In the wake of a successful yet tumultuous season, the Lakers’ front office is focused on filling key roster gaps and surrounding their stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with the right pieces to make another title run. One of the most intriguing rumors circulating the NBA offseason involves the Lakers targeting Memphis Grizzlies guard, Tyus Jones, a talented and experienced player who could play a pivotal role for the Lakers in the upcoming season.

Jones, who is set to make $10.64 million in the final year of his contract with the Grizzlies, is considered one of the most reliable backup point guards in the league. He has played for the Grizzlies since 2019 and has established himself as a dependable playmaker, a solid defender, and a capable leader on the floor. Known for his basketball IQ and ability to run an offense, Jones could provide the Lakers with a significant boost in the backcourt, especially with the team’s need for a reliable ball handler and perimeter defender.

The Lakers’ Need for a Reliable Point Guard

Despite having one of the best rosters in the league, the Los Angeles Lakers’ most significant weakness over the past few seasons has been their backcourt depth and playmaking ability. The Lakers have had issues at the point guard position, with players like Russell Westbrook, Dennis Schröder, and D’Angelo Russell all having varying degrees of success alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While LeBron James is capable of playing as the primary ball handler and orchestrating the offense, his age and the wear and tear of an 82-game season have made it clear that the Lakers need a more reliable secondary ball handler.

One of the key reasons Tyus Jones could be a perfect fit for the Lakers is his ability to play within a team’s offensive system. Jones is known for being a steady and efficient point guard who excels in managing the flow of the game. He’s not the flashiest player, but his understanding of basketball fundamentals and his ability to make smart decisions on the court make him an ideal fit for a team that already has significant star power in LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

While LeBron’s playmaking ability is one of the best in NBA history, he cannot shoulder the entire burden of creating for others, especially when the team faces injuries or when he’s forced to take on more scoring responsibility. Enter Tyus Jones, a player who has the ability to handle the ball, run the offense, and create opportunities for others without disrupting the team’s overall chemistry. His steady hand could be exactly what the Lakers need to complement their superstars.

Tyus Jones: A Proven Playmaker and Defensive Presence

Tyus Jones, a former Duke standout, has carved out a reputation as one of the most reliable backup point guards in the NBA. His game has been defined by his ability to control the pace of the game, make sound decisions, and defend at a high level. While Jones is not a flashy scorer, he is an efficient player who can contribute in multiple areas, including playmaking, defense, and leadership.

Playmaking: Jones has shown the ability to run an offense effectively, averaging 5.3 assists per game over the course of his career. While playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Jones has been known for his high basketball IQ and his ability to set up teammates for easy scoring opportunities. His assist-to-turnover ratio is consistently impressive, a key indicator of his ability to control the flow of the game and avoid costly mistakes. In a system like the Lakers’, where the offense runs through LeBron James, Jones’ ability to be a secondary playmaker and facilitator would be a huge asset. When LeBron is off the floor or needs a breather, Jones could step in and keep the offense running smoothly, allowing the Lakers to avoid extended scoring droughts.

Defense: Another area where Jones excels is his defense. Standing at 6’1”, he may not be the tallest guard, but his quickness, agility, and understanding of defensive schemes make him a solid defender. In addition to his ability to lock down opposing point guards, Jones has developed into a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions on the perimeter. He averaged 1.1 steals per game in the 2023 season, showcasing his ability to disrupt passing lanes and get his hands on the ball. The Lakers, who have prided themselves on their defense under head coach Darvin Ham, would benefit from Jones’ ability to provide defensive intensity in the backcourt, both on and off the ball. His perimeter defense and leadership would give the Lakers an added layer of depth defensively, which is crucial in a highly competitive Western Conference.

Efficiency and Decision Making: One of Jones’ best attributes is his efficiency. Throughout his career, he has maintained solid shooting percentages and an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio. His ability to control the pace and execute in clutch situations has been an asset to the Grizzlies, and it would be a welcome addition to the Lakers. In particular, Jones has improved his shooting from beyond the arc, making him a reliable option for spacing the floor and adding an extra dimension to the Lakers’ offense. While he is not known for being a high-volume scorer, his ability to knock down open shots and create opportunities for his teammates would give the Lakers more flexibility on offense.

The Lakers’ Backcourt and Depth Concerns

The Los Angeles Lakers have seen substantial success in recent years, including a 2020 NBA Championship run, but their backcourt has often been a question mark. While D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Dennis Schröder have all shown flashes of brilliance, none of these players are natural point guards who can consistently run the offense and manage the game. LeBron James, of course, is more than capable of acting as the primary playmaker, but as LeBron ages, the Lakers need to make sure they have depth in their backcourt to avoid overburdening him during the regular season and playoffs.

Jones could provide that much-needed depth. With LeBron’s durability being a concern as he continues to play into his late 30s, Jones could step in and give the Lakers a reliable point guard who can run the offense while also providing defensive support. Moreover, with the Lakers also facing the possibility of needing to rest Anthony Davis for extended periods during the season, having a point guard who can orchestrate the offense and get others involved would help prevent the Lakers from experiencing extended offensive droughts when their stars are off the floor.

Jones’ addition could also help relieve Austin Reaves from some of the ball-handling duties, allowing Reaves to focus on being a scoring option and a secondary playmaker without having to carry the load of initiating the offense. With both Reaves and Jones in the backcourt, the Lakers could have a dynamic and balanced unit that excels in both playmaking and defense.

The Financials: How the Lakers Could Afford Jones

The rumor surrounding Jones suggests that the Lakers could acquire him for around $10.64 million, which aligns with his current salary for the 2025 season. Given the Lakers’ salary cap situation, acquiring Jones would be financially feasible, particularly if the team is willing to part with some expiring contracts or young assets to make the deal work. The Lakers have LeBron James and Anthony Davis on significant contracts, but they have flexibility when it comes to bringing in players like Jones, who are on mid-tier contracts.

The Lakers could use trade exceptions or salary-matching deals to acquire Jones, potentially using Troy Brown Jr., Lonnie Walker IV, or other bench players who do not fit into the long-term plans of the franchise. The Grizzlies may also be interested in gaining additional assets, especially if they are looking to free up cap space for a potential acquisition of their own. A potential trade could involve sending out players like Malik Beasley or Russell Westbrook, both of whom could be attractive to Memphis, given their contracts and skill sets.

Why Tyus Jones is the Ideal Backup Point Guard for the Lakers

Tyus Jones fits the mold of the ideal backup point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is experienced, steady, and defensively solid, providing the Lakers with a strong presence off the bench. His ability to control the tempo, make smart decisions with the ball, and defend at a high level would be invaluable for a team that needs to manage its superstar players’ workloads while still maintaining championship-level play.

The Lakers have struggled in the past to find a true point guard who could complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While Rajon Rondo provided some stability during the 2020 Championship run, his presence was not always consistent in subsequent seasons. Tyus Jones could provide the Lakers with the same level of stability and basketball IQ, with the added bonus of being a solid perimeter shooter and a strong defender.