Trey Jemison III has emerged as a promising center in the NBA, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, Jemison has worked his way into the league through determination and hard work. As a 6’10” center weighing 260 pounds, he brings size and defensive presence to the court, qualities that have earned him a place in the Lakers’ roster.
The 25-year-old Alabama native has taken an interesting path to the NBA, playing college basketball at Clemson University for two seasons before transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for three more seasons. His journey from being undrafted to signing a two-way contract with one of the most storied franchises in the NBA demonstrates his perseverance and dedication to the sport.
Trey Jemison III’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Trey Jemison III |
| Date of Birth | November 28, 1999 |
| Age | 25 |
| Education | Clemson University, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’10” (208 cm) |
| Weight | 260 lbs (117 kg) |
| Wingspan | 7’2″ (218 cm) |
| Turned Pro | Undrafted in 2023 NBA Draft |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Salary | Approximately $280,000 (two-way contract) |
| Career Earnings | $128,686 (as reported) |
| Wife/Husband | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | NA |
Early Career
Trey Jemison III’s basketball journey began in Birmingham, Alabama, where he attended Hoover High School. Standing at an impressive height from a young age, Jemison showed promise as a basketball player, developing the fundamentals that would later serve him in his collegiate and professional career.
After high school, Jemison began his collegiate basketball career at Clemson University. He spent two seasons with the Clemson Tigers, though his playing time and statistical impact were somewhat limited during this period. Looking for an opportunity to showcase his abilities more prominently, Jemison made the decision to transfer to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for the 2020-2021 season.
The move to UAB proved to be transformative for Jemison’s development as a basketball player. At UAB, he found a basketball home where his skills could be properly utilized and developed. Playing for the UAB Blazers, Jemison began to establish himself as a formidable presence in the paint, particularly on the defensive end of the court.
During his three seasons at UAB, Jemison’s growth as a player became increasingly evident. His junior season (2021-2022) saw him start all 34 games he appeared in, showcasing his durability and importance to the team. During this season, he led UAB in total rebounds (252), rebounds per game (7.4), total blocks (52), and blocks per game (1.5). His rebounding prowess was recognized within Conference USA, where he ranked fourth in offensive rebounds per game (2.74), fifth in blocks per game (1.5), and sixth in total rebounds per game (7.4).
Jemison’s consistent performance continued to earn him recognition. He was named to the Las Vegas Invitational All-Tournament Team, highlighting his ability to perform at a high level in competitive tournament settings. Throughout the season, he recorded multiple double-doubles and reached double figures in scoring eight times.
One of his standout performances came against Louisiana Tech on March 5, 2022, when he recorded a career-high 16 points on an efficient 8-of-9 shooting from the field, accompanied by nine rebounds.
However, it was during his senior season at UAB (2022-2023) that Jemison truly elevated his game to new heights. His outstanding performance earned him Third Team All-Conference USA honors, as well as a spot on the Conference USA All-Defensive Team. These accolades reflected his development into one of the conference’s premier defensive players and his overall value to the UAB program.
During this final collegiate season, Jemison set a single-season program record with an impressive 329 total rebounds, cementing his legacy as one of the best rebounders in UAB history. He led the team with 11 double-doubles and scored in double figures 18 times, demonstrating his ability to contribute consistently on both ends of the floor. Jemison also led the UAB roster in blocks with a career-high 67 rejections, further showcasing his defensive prowess.
Several performances during his senior season stood out as particularly noteworthy. On January 16, 2023, he scored a season-high 18 points against Middle Tennessee State University while also securing 11 rebounds for a double-double. In a road win over Vanderbilt on March 22, 2023, he contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds, helping his team secure an important victory..
Professional Career
After completing his collegiate career at UAB, Trey Jemison III declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. Despite his impressive college statistics and defensive credentials, Jemison went undrafted, facing the challenging path that many undrafted players must navigate to make it to the NBA. However, this setback did not deter him from pursuing his professional basketball dreams.
Following the draft, Jemison’s professional journey began when the New Orleans Pelicans signed him, giving him his first opportunity to prove himself at the NBA level. This initial contract represented a significant milestone in his basketball career, as it provided him entry into the professional ranks despite going undrafted.
Jemison’s first season in professional basketball saw him bounce between several teams as he worked to establish himself in the league. The 2023-2024 season included brief stints with the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies, though his playing time with these organizations was limited.
During his time with the Grizzlies, he began to show glimpses of his potential, appearing in 23 games with 14 starts and averaging 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 24.9 minutes per game. While these numbers may not appear extraordinary, they represented solid production for a rookie center finding his footing in the NBA.
The 2024-2025 season marked a continuation of Jemison’s professional journey, starting with the New Orleans Pelicans. During his time with the Pelicans, he appeared in 16 games, though he did not start any of them. His playing time decreased to 10.4 minutes per game, during which he averaged 2.4 points and 2.8 rebounds.
While these numbers represented a step back from his Memphis statistics, they reflected the reality of a young player trying to carve out a role on a team with established veterans.
A significant turning point in Jemison’s professional career came when the Los Angeles Lakers signed him to a two-way contract in early 2025. This move came after the Pelicans waived him, with the Lakers seeing potential in the 6’10” center.
The Lakers’ decision to sign Jemison to a two-year deal, rather than a shorter-term contract, indicated a belief in his long-term potential. This contract structure suggested that the Lakers viewed Jemison not just as a temporary solution but as a player worth developing over multiple seasons.
The timing of Jemison’s arrival in Los Angeles coincided with the Lakers’ need for additional depth at the center position. The team had been struggling to find a reliable backup for Anthony Davis, with Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko not fully meeting expectations. Jemison’s size, rebounding ability, and shot-blocking potential made him an intriguing option to help address this roster weakness.
To make room for Jemison on their roster, the Lakers made the difficult decision to waive rookie Quincy Olivari. This move, while tough for Olivari, demonstrated the Lakers’ commitment to strengthening their frontcourt depth and their belief in Jemison’s potential to contribute in that area.
Jemison didn’t have to wait long for an opportunity to demonstrate his value to his new team. In his Lakers debut, with Anthony Davis sidelined due to plantar fasciitis, Jemison played 15 minutes and contributed four rebounds and two blocks. While these statistics weren’t spectacular, they showcased his ability to provide solid minutes as a backup center and hinted at the defensive presence he could bring to the team.
Since joining the Lakers, Jemison has continued to develop his game while adjusting to his role within the team’s system. Through his first 17 games with the Lakers, he has averaged 2.9 points and 2.8 rebounds in 11.1 minutes per game, shooting an efficient 60.5% from the field.
These numbers, while modest, reflect his limited playing time and specific role as a backup center focused primarily on defense, rebounding, and finishing around the rim.Jemison’s two-way contract with the Lakers means he splits time between the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
Trey Jemison III’s Net Worth Details
Trey Jemison III’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025.
Contract
Trey Jemison III is currently playing under a two-year two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, signed in early 2025. This contract represents a significant opportunity for Jemison, as the two-year duration suggests the Lakers see potential in him beyond just a short-term roster fill. A two-way contract in the NBA allows players to spend time with both the main NBA team and its G League affiliate, providing development opportunities while maintaining a connection to the NBA roster.
The Lakers’ decision to sign Jemison to this type of contract came after he was waived by the New Orleans Pelicans, with Los Angeles identifying him as a potential solution to their need for backup center depth behind Anthony Davis. The specific terms of this contract indicate the Lakers’ belief that Jemison could develop into a valuable rotation player over time, particularly given his size, rebounding ability, and shot-blocking potential.
Salary
According to available information, Trey Jemison III earns approximately $280,000 per year with the Los Angeles Lakers under his current two-way contract. This salary reflects the standard compensation structure for NBA two-way contracts, which typically pay significantly less than standard NBA contracts but more than typical G League salaries. Prior to joining the Lakers, Jemison reportedly earned around $570,000 per year during his time with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The salary difference between these contracts reflects the varying nature of NBA contracts for developing players. While his current salary is modest by NBA standards, where the average salary for established players runs into millions of dollars, it represents a professional wage that allows him to focus on developing his basketball career.
As a two-way player, Jemison’s earnings are primarily determined by how much time he spends with the NBA team versus the G League affiliate, with NBA days paying at a higher pro-rated amount.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team(s) | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies | Data not fully available |
| 2024-2025 | New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers | Approximately $280,000 (with Lakers) |
| Career Total (as reported) | $128,686 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Games Started | Minutes | Points | FG% | FT% | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | BLK | STL | TO | PF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | WSH | 2 | 0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| 2023-24 | MEM | 23 | 14 | 24.9 | 7.4 | 55.1 | 84.0 | 2.8 | 3.0 | 5.8 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 1.4 | 3.0 |
| 2024-25 | NO | 16 | 0 | 10.4 | 2.4 | 46.9 | 38.1 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.7 |
| 2024-25 | LAL | 17 | 0 | 11.1 | 2.9 | 60.5 | 40.0 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 2.8 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 2.2 |
| Career | 58 | 14 | 16.0 | 4.5 | 54.9 | 58.9 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 3.9 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.3 |
FAQs
1. Who is Trey Jemison III?
Trey Jemison III is an American professional basketball player born on November 28, 1999, in Birmingham, Alabama. He currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA on a two-way contract with their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. He is a center, standing 6’10” tall and weighing 260 lbs.
2. What is Trey Jemison’s college basketball background?
Trey Jemison played college basketball for Clemson University and later transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). At UAB, he earned Third Team All-Conference USA honors and was named to the Conference USA All-Defensive Team during his senior season.
3. What are Trey Jemison’s notable achievements in college basketball?
In his senior season at UAB, Jemison set a single-season program record with 329 total rebounds, recorded 11 double-doubles, and scored in double figures 18 times. He also led his team in blocks with a career-high 67 rejections.
4. What has been Trey Jemison’s NBA career trajectory?
After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, Jemison played for several teams, including the Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, and Los Angeles Lakers. He signed a two-way contract with the Lakers in January 2025 and has played both in the NBA and G League.
5. What are Trey Jemison’s NBA career statistics?
Jemison has played 58 NBA games with averages of 4.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game while shooting 54.9% from the field. His best performance includes a career-high of 24 points against the Washington Wizards.
6. What is Trey Jemison’s net worth?
Trey Jemison’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million. This reflects his early career earnings from contracts and endorsements as an undrafted player who has steadily built his reputation.
7. How has Trey Jemison contributed to the Los Angeles Lakers?
Jemison provides depth at the center position for the Lakers, especially when key players like Anthony Davis are unavailable due to injuries or rest. His rebounding and defensive presence make him a valuable addition to the roster.
8. What are Trey Jemison’s strengths as a player?
Jemison excels in rebounding and shot-blocking due to his size and athleticism. His ability to score efficiently near the basket and his defensive capabilities have made him a reliable option for teams needing frontcourt support.
9. What challenges has Trey Jemison faced in his NBA career?
Jemison has faced challenges such as going undrafted in 2023 and experiencing inconsistent playing time due to being on two-way contracts. Despite this, he has demonstrated resilience by earning opportunities with multiple teams.
10. What is Trey Jemison’s role with the South Bay Lakers?
As part of his two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, Jemison plays for their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. In the G League, he averages 10.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game during the 2024-25 season while continuing to develop his skills for NBA opportunities.
