Trey Jemison III’s journey epitomizes the underdog narrative. Hailing from a small town, he consistently confronted challenges and lofty expectations, yet persistently advanced despite setbacks. His unwavering self-belief and trust in eventual opportunities have defined his path.
From being overlooked in the draft to bouncing between teams, he has faced many setbacks. But through it all, he never lost faith in his abilities. His path hasn’t been glamorous, but it’s been one of persistence, fighting for every opportunity and proving he belongs at the highest level. Now, with the Los Angeles Lakers, Jemison has another shot to make his mark. Let’s take a closer look at his NBA contracts and the journey that brought him here.
What is Trey Jemison III’s contract with the Los Angeles Lakers?
Trey Jemison III’s deal with the Los Angeles Lakers represents a calculated move. Here’s how: when the Pelicans waived him, the Lakers saw it as an opportunity, and didn’t waste any time by signing him to a two-year contract. This shows how much the Lakers believe in Jemison’s potential. They believe his size and skill set can contribute to their needs at the center.
Before this move, the team struggled to find a solid backup for Anthony Davis. Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko, paving the way for Jemison’s entry. Standing at 6-foot-10 and weighing 260 pounds, Jemison possesses the attributes needed to fill this void. He’s not going to be an immediate star, but his rebounding and shot-blocking ability are important.
The Lakers made a key roster decision to waive rookie Quincy Olivari, clearing space for Jemison. Olivari had impressed in the Summer League but struggled to earn minutes in the NBA. With the center position a glaring weakness, the team needed someone more experienced and ready to contribute. The Power Forward is currently signed to a two-way contract where he’s rumored to be paid upwards of $280k/year by the Lakers and $570k+/year by the New Orleans Pelicans before he left them.
Jemison got his chance right away. In his Lakers debut, with Davis sidelined by plantar fasciitis, Jemison came in and delivered a solid 15 minutes. While his stats—four rebounds and two blocks—weren’t eye-popping, they demonstrated his potential. It was a solid first step for the 25-year-old in a Lakers uniform.
While his career may not be sky-high, he doesn’t need to be a star. If he can emulate a career similar to DeAndre Jordan or Andre Drummond, the Lakers would be thrilled. However, in the end, this move was more than a quick fix. The Lakers see Jemison as a long-term piece.
How many teams has Trey Jemison III played for in the NBA?
Trey Jemison III’s NBA journey began with disappointment. It began with being undrafted in 2023, but he didn’t let that define him. He joined the Phoenix Suns for the Summer League in 2023, but he didn’t secure a spot with the team. While others might’ve given up, Jemison kept pushing forward.
On September 30, 2023, the Pelicans gave him a chance, signing him to a contract. But just weeks later, on October 22, they waived him. It was a tough moment, but the hooper kept hoops. Eight days later, he joined the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ affiliate in the NBA G League, where he continued to develop and work on his game. But no one knew what awaited him.
When his hard work finally seemed to pay off, the Washington Wizards signed him to a 10-day contract on January 20, 2024. Although it was only for a limited time, he played for just two games—he made his mark, recording a rebound and turnover in minimal minutes. It wasn’t much, but it was a step forward.
Then on January 30, 2024, his story with the Memphis Grizzlies began. Do you know it was yet another 10-day contract? Though it was just a 10-day contract, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He didn’t stop there; two days later, he started against the Boston Celtics, scoring six points, grabbing four rebounds, and blocking two shots, proving his ability to contribute.
Jemison’s journey continued to rise. On February 6, he recorded a career-high 12 points and seven rebounds against the New York Knicks, and just a few days later, the Grizzlies rewarded him with a two-way contract. He went on to post another career-high, scoring 24 points against the Washington Wizards on March 12, 2024.
But in the ever-shifting world of the NBA, the Grizzlies waived him on July 24, 2024. The Pelicans claimed him shortly after, but on January 9, 2025, they, too, waived him.
Jemison’s story exemplifies a person who remained persistent with every opportunity. He never took anything for granted as he pursued his NBA dreams. So as we end this story here, we would like to leave you with a question, what do you think’s next for Trey Jemison—will he finally find a long-term home in the NBA?
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