NEW ORLEANS – Former New Mexico State star forward Jemerrio Jones recently signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, March 31, and is on hand with the team in New Orleans as the Lakers get ready to play the Pelicans today at 4 p.m. (MT). Terms of the contract were not released per team rules.

"We are excited for Jemerrio and his opportunity with the Lakers," head coach Chris Jans said. "We can't wait to watch him compete at the next level and have another Aggie representing New Mexico State in the NBA."

With the signing, Jones joins Pascal Siakam to be the second active former Aggie to be playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) this season. Teammate Zach Lofton had also seen action earlier in the year in the Association with the Detroit Pistons on a two-way contract before being released and resigned with its G-League Affiliate the Grand Rapids Drive. 

OFFICIAL: Lakers sign Jemerrio Jones https://t.co/OubyerypNZ

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 31, 2019

 
The Memphis, Tenn., product spent the 2018-19 season with the Lakers' G-League affiliate the South Bay Lakers. Jones saw action in 47 games with South Bay while starting in six and averaged 9.4 points, team-best 9.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks. Like his days at New Mexico State, Jones recorded double-digit rebounds in 21 games with 15 double-doubles. He scored a career-high 21 points against Stockton and pulled a career-high 18 rebounds twice.

Jemerrio Jones' game has been called unique and unorthodox.

It's earned him universal praise and now, a shot with the @Lakers. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ar7Fqycb6o

— South Bay Lakers (@SouthBayLakers) March 31, 2019

 
Jones left New Mexico State after two seasons as one of the best to ever don the Crimson & White. The forward left the Aggies ranked third all-time in rebounds per game (10.8) and tied for eighth in total rebounds (737). He is also second in the single-season record books in rebound (450) and tied for third in rebounds per game (13.2). Jones also became the first player this century to record 20-plus rebounds in three-consecutive games according to ESPN Stats & Info and Stats LLC (since 1997).

"I come from nothing. I come from the struggle, so I know what it takes."

Jemerrio Jones fears nothing and is ready to run with this opportunity from the @Lakers. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/Lz97yOC8YL

— South Bay Lakers (@SouthBayLakers) March 31, 2019

 
His senior campaign culminated in him earning Associated Press All-American Honorable Mention distinction, WAC Player of the Year, WAC Tournament MVP, NABC First-Team All-District and the USBWA All-District VIII team after averaging 11.3 points and 14.1 rebounds.