Los Angeles Lakers Sign Center Trey Jemison III to Two-Way Contract

In a strategic move to bolster their roster, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed center Trey Jemison III to a two-way contract. This decision comes alongside the waiving of two-way guard Quincy Olivari, marking a significant shift in the team's lineup as they continue to refine their squad for the ongoing season.

Trey Jemison III, standing at 6'11" and weighing 275 pounds, is a promising addition to the Lakers. The 25-year-old center joins the team after a stint with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he appeared in 16 games this season, averaging 2.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in 10.4 minutes of play. His experience also includes a total of 25 games—14 of which were starts—split between the Washington Wizards and the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2023-24 season. In those games, Jemison III showcased his skills by averaging 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks over 22.9 minutes.

Before making his mark in the NBA, Jemison III had an impressive run in the NBA G League last season. He played a pivotal role for the Birmingham Squadron, starting all 25 regular season and Tip-Off Tournament games. During that time, he averaged 10.9 points and an impressive 12.0 rebounds, along with 1.8 assists and 1.5 blocks, demonstrating his potential as a double-double threat on the court.

Jemison's journey to the NBA began in college, where he played five seasons across two institutions: the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Clemson University. As a senior at UAB, he made a significant impact by playing in all 39 games and averaging 9.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. His performance earned him recognition as he led Conference USA in rebounds per game and secured a spot on the league’s all-defensive team.

In contrast, Quincy Olivari, who had been signed by the Lakers on August 14, 2024, and converted to a two-way contract on October 19, has been released after limited playtime. Olivari participated in two games for the Lakers this season, averaging 1.5 points in 5.0 minutes. However, he had a more substantial impact in the G League, averaging 17.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 13 appearances for the South Bay Lakers.

As the Lakers integrate Jemison III into their lineup, fans will be eager to see how this new addition influences the team's performance moving forward. With his strong collegiate background and recent NBA experience, Jemison III could provide the Lakers with the depth and versatility they need as they aim for success in the current season.