The Los Angeles Lakers could be revving up interest in an unexpected Memphis Grizzlies player.

Memphis got its 2024-25 season off on the right footing on Wednesday, defeating the Utah Jazz 126-124. Ja Morant looked healthy and explosive, logging 22 points and 10 assists on 7-for-12 shooting in 28 minutes.

Morant didn’t lead the Grizzlies in scoring, however, nor did Desmond Bane with his 24 points.

That honor belonged to Memphis’ sharpshooting forward Santi Aldama, who dropped 27 points in a scintillating 5-for-10 performance from downtown.

Aldama, 23, flew under the radar last year as he began to show signs of being a legitimate NBA scorer. With performances like Wednesday’s, though, it won’t be long before Aldama is well-known by the basketball world.

The seven-footer out of Spain provides elite shooting touch from the outside to go along with high IQ and rebounding.

He is a fourth-year player who didn’t reach an agreement on a rookie extension with Memphis, and Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus estimates that Aldama will demand a three-year, $40 million contract next summer. Pincus also listed the Lakers as a potential landing spot for Aldama.

“Santi Aldama has legit height at 7’0″ but is more of an offensive option than a defensive anchor,” Pincus said. “He can spread the floor but needs to improve his accuracy (34.9 percent from three last year).”

“He’s played significant minutes for the injury-ravaged Grizzlies and could stay longer despite the crowded frontcourt (Zach Edey, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke).”

“Most teams potentially interested in Aldama would have up to the $14.1 million projected non-taxpayer mid-level exception.”

“Contract Prediction: $40 million, three years. Potential Landing Spots: Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies.”

Aldama is currently on the final year of the four-year, $10.2 million rookie deal he signed with Memphis.