Why Trey Jamison was disappointed in himself in his Lakers debut

LOS ANGELES – With NBA two-way contracts that don’t count against the salary cap, teams can essentially rotate players throughout the season. With three two-way contract spots available per team, it has become a good way to evaluate players based on trial and error. The Lakers made a recent change, waiving two-way contract player Quincy Olivari and signing Trey Jamison WHO debuted against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.

With Anthony Davis out and Jackson Hayes entering the starting lineup, Trey Jamison was by default the Lakers’ backup center against the Nets. In just over 14 minutes, he finished with four rebounds and two blocks.

After the game, Jemison talked about why he was a little disappointed in himself, especially when it came to rebounding.

“Four is a modestly bad number, I should have gotten at least six or seven.” I missed a few there,” Jamison said. “But I’m not going to lie, my goal here is to be physical.” Do all the hard stuff, let others do the easy stuff. They can pass the ball, I’m going to go set screens, I’m going to rebound the ball, but I have to be better than I was tonight.”

The The Lakers listed both Davis and Hayes as questionable for their big city showdown against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. If one, or both, are unable to play, Jamison will likely reprise his role as the Lakers’ backup center.

Trey Jamison is considering joining the Lakers

While Olivari has become a favorite among Lakers fans, and NBA fans in general, the Lakers’ need for frontcourt help made the move to bring in Jamison easier. Neither Jared Vanderbilt nor Christian Wood, two players thought to be part of the rotation, have not played this season due to injury.

Hayes has struggled with injuries, leaving the Lakers thin up front. Trey Jamison didn’t necessarily expect to play as much as he did in his Lakers debut, having learned just before tipoff that Davis would be unavailable and called up for rotational minutes.

“I found out five minutes before I got out. “But that’s basketball,” Jemison said. “It’s a blessing to get your feet wet and get out of the way.” The first game is over now, it’s time to work.”

Jemison began this season with the New Orleans Pelicans, also on a two-way contract. He appeared in 16 games for the Pelicans before being cut. During his rookie season in 2023-24, he split the year between the Washington Wizards and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Once the Lakers frontcourt is healthy, if Jamison stays with the Lakers, he will most likely see some reps in the G League with the South Bay. But for now, he’s just grateful to be with the organization.

“I was at my mom’s house probably 48 hours ago, packing like I was going to LA. And just in shock, what should I pack, what shoes should I bring,” Jamison said. “I’m so excited.” When I got here, I was amazed. The fans, the cheering, the culture, I was like man, I’m really blessed to be in this opportunity.”