NBA Report: Los Angeles Lakers just land $231 million Memphis Grizzlies star guard to form Big 3 with LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

The Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise that has seen its fair share of stars come and go, have made a monumental move in the 2025 NBA offseason. In a surprising yet highly strategic decision, the Lakers have successfully landed Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant in a blockbuster trade deal that will reshape the landscape of the NBA’s Western Conference for years to come. With this acquisition, the Lakers are now poised to form one of the most dynamic trios in NBA history, as they team up LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Morant to create an unprecedented “Big 3.”

The trade has shocked the basketball world, particularly given the magnitude of the deal. Morant, a $231 million player, is one of the most electrifying guards in the NBA today. Known for his explosive athleticism, playmaking ability, and scoring prowess, Morant is expected to add an entirely new dimension to the Lakers’ roster. The combination of James, Dončić, and Morant is already generating immense buzz, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how this trio will gel on the court.

The Trade Details: How the Lakers Acquired Ja Morant

In what can only be described as a daring and aggressive move, the Los Angeles Lakers secured the services of Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies. The trade involved multiple pieces, but the centerpiece of the deal was Morant himself, a former NBA All-Star and the 2022 NBA Most Improved Player.

While the full details of the trade are still emerging, the most important aspect is the Lakers’ ability to part with enough assets to land Morant without significantly compromising the depth of their roster. The Grizzlies, clearly acknowledging that they were not going to be able to contend for a championship in the immediate future, decided to shift their focus towards building for the long-term future. The Lakers, on the other hand, pushed all their chips in, betting on their ability to build around a championship-caliber trio.

The Lakers traded several future draft picks, including some high-value first-round picks, along with a mix of younger players. Key figures like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura were likely part of the deal, as Memphis sought to add depth to their roster and plan for the future.

However, the real win for the Lakers came in their ability to land Morant despite the significant long-term financial commitment involved in his $231 million contract. The franchise is clearly all-in on building a superteam around LeBron James, and this trade signifies their intent to capitalize on James’ remaining years of prime basketball.

The Big 3: LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Ja Morant

With the addition of Ja Morant, the Lakers now have one of the most exciting and potentially lethal Big 3s in NBA history. Each of the three players brings a unique set of skills to the table, and their synergy on the floor could reshape how teams approach the Lakers.

LeBron James: The Veteran Leader

LeBron James, the 4-time NBA champion, is the unquestioned leader of this new Lakers trio. While he is entering the later stages of his illustrious career, LeBron is still one of the best players in the league. His combination of size, basketball IQ, and versatility makes him an ideal complement to both Luka Dončić and Ja Morant.

One of the most important aspects of this Big 3 is how LeBron’s leadership will help maximize the potential of Morant and Dončić. As the team’s primary playmaker, LeBron will have the ability to distribute the ball and create opportunities for both Morant and Dončić. His court vision is unparalleled, and his ability to elevate the play of those around him is a key asset for the Lakers as they strive to contend for another championship.

LeBron’s presence also provides the Lakers with the type of experienced player who knows what it takes to win at the highest level. His four NBA championships, including several deep playoff runs, will provide invaluable mentorship for Morant and Dončić as they navigate the challenges of postseason basketball.

Luka Dončić: The Superstar Scorer and Playmaker

Luka Dončić is widely regarded as one of the best players in the NBA and a future MVP candidate. His scoring ability, playmaking, and basketball IQ make him a transcendent talent. At just 24 years old, Dončić is already one of the faces of the NBA, and his arrival in Los Angeles makes the Lakers one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

Dončić’s ability to dominate with the ball in his hands, along with his versatility, gives the Lakers an offensive weapon that can generate points in a variety of ways. His size (6’7″) and vision allow him to control the game, and his ability to both score and facilitate make him a dual-threat that defenders simply can’t ignore.

The synergy between Dončić and Morant will be something to watch. While Dončić is known for his slow pace and control of the game, Morant is a high-flying, dynamic guard who thrives in transition. Their contrasting styles will provide a unique blend of offense, with Dončić setting up plays and Morant finishing them with electrifying dunks and acrobatic layups.

What’s more, the presence of LeBron James will allow Dončić to further develop his game. LeBron, as one of the greatest passers in NBA history, will create additional opportunities for Dončić to score or find open teammates.

Ja Morant: The Explosive Scorer and Playmaker

Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies’ former franchise player, brings a new level of excitement to the Lakers. Known for his incredible athleticism and fearless style of play, Morant’s explosive scoring ability and ability to finish at the rim will make him an immediate star in Los Angeles.

Morant’s style of play is a perfect fit for the Lakers’ fast-paced offense. His speed and agility allow him to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Whether it’s attacking the rim in transition or pulling up for a three-pointer, Morant is a constant threat to score.

On top of his scoring ability, Morant is also a strong playmaker. His court vision and ability to distribute the ball will complement the Lakers’ existing offensive weapons. With LeBron and Dončić both being exceptional passers, Morant will be surrounded by elite talent that will help him reach his full potential.

The biggest question surrounding Morant will be his maturity and how he handles the off-court pressures of playing for the Lakers. However, with LeBron James as his mentor, Morant should have the guidance he needs to focus on his basketball career and continue his development as one of the top young guards in the NBA.

The Lakers’ Championship Window: A New Era of Basketball

The Los Angeles Lakers are now in possession of one of the most electrifying and talented trios in NBA history. The combination of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Ja Morant has the potential to dominate the NBA for years to come.

With three superstars on the roster, the Lakers are positioned to contend for championships in the immediate future. Their ability to mix experience (LeBron James) with youth (Dončić and Morant) provides them with a well-rounded roster capable of adapting to various styles of play. Whether it’s executing in the half-court offense, running in transition, or locking down on defense, the Lakers have all the tools they need to make a deep postseason run.

But the biggest question surrounding the Lakers’ future will be how the team’s chemistry develops. Integrating three ball-dominant players like LeBron, Luka, and Ja will require careful balancing. While all three players can create their own shot, the team will need to ensure that there is enough unselfish ball movement to allow everyone to contribute effectively. However, with three players of this caliber, finding chemistry should not be a difficult task.

 A New Era of Superstars in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers have once again positioned themselves to be a dominant force in the NBA. By acquiring Ja Morant, they have secured one of the brightest stars in the league, who will now join forces with LeBron James and Luka Dončić to form a Big 3 that has the potential to lead the team to multiple championships. The Lakers’ future has never looked brighter, and with these three superstars, the team is now ready to contend for an NBA title once again.

As the 2025-2026 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see how the Big 3 of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Ja Morant performs. With such a dynamic trio, the Lakers are poised to take the league by storm and establish a new era of dominance in the NBA.