Trey Jemison stands as a promising young star in the NBA. The latest member of the Los Angeles Lakers is finding his groove and rapidly attracting attention from the NBA realm. Besides his stats and highlight reels, what’s hot about him is his road to the NBA.

So, let’s get into it: where is Trey Jemison from, how did he make it to the NBA, and what makes him such a standout player?

Where is Trey Jemison III from? What’s the Lakers star’s nationality?

Trey Jemison is a full-blooded American—Birmingham, Alabama is where he was born and brought up. Indeed, a typical Southerner he is. He was born on the 28th of November, 1999. As he grew up, he kept in close contact with the local basketball scene and eventually fell in love with the sport to devote his life to it.

His basketball journey started at Ramsay High School, but things got interesting when he transferred to Homewood High School as a sophomore. And boy, did he shine! Trey led his team to an Alabama 6A State Championship in 2016. That’s right—he had winner written all over him from the start.

But Trey wasn’t done yet. For his senior year, he moved to Hoover High School, and this is where his game hit another level. He averaged an insane 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks per game. You read that right—absolute domination! Naturally, his performances earned him All-State honorable mention recognition. By this point, scouts were taking notice, and as a three-star recruit, Trey decided to take his talents to Clemson University.

At Clemson, Trey kept grinding, but it was his transfer to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) that truly let him take off. Under some sharp coaching, he became a defensive beast. Trey locked down multiple Conference USA All-Defensive Team honors and led the league in rebounds and blocks during his senior year. Talk about a glow-up! And then came his ascension to the big league.

When was Trey Jemison III drafted in the NBA?

Here is the thing with Trey – his life story is not traditional and that is what makes it even more exciting and mind-blowing. Trey declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, but he did not hear his name called. Did that stop him? No, sir! He didn’t let it wear him out. The strength of Trey was his ability to adapt to harsh situations and come out stronger over time.

In July 2024, Trey snagged a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. That was his ticket to prove himself, and oh, he did. Splitting time between the Pelicans and their G-League squad, the Birmingham Squadron, Trey showed the league what he’s all about. His breakout moment? Dropping a career-high 24 points for the Memphis Grizzlies against the Washington Wizards on March 12, 2024. That’s when people started paying attention.

Fast forward to 2025, and Trey’s on the Los Angeles Lakers, clad in purple and gold. Indeed, he’s still trying to find himself in the big league. However, his gifts in both defense and his flexibility have already made him a compliment to the fans. The fans of the team are all excited to watch him become a leader for his superiors and the other players who are evolving.

Trey Jemison’s life is a lot more than just talent; it’s also about determination, grit, and never giving up. Mr. Jemison went from the high school basketball courts in Birmingham to the NBA big stage, and he is the perfect example of the benefits of hard work. In reality, the world is at his feet and he is only getting started.

So, if you’re not already keeping an eye on Trey Jemison, you might want to start. This kid is on the rise, and he’s taking the Lakers—and the league—by storm.