The Los Angeles Lakers have been notably quiet this offseason. GM Rob Pelinka has not succeeded in making any roster improvements despite significant efforts in free agency and the trade market, leaving Lakers fans disappointed as several key targets slipped away.
With the peak of free agency behind them and few impactful players remaining on the market, the Lakers must now focus on the trade market. They have two first-round picks and several tradeable contracts, including those of D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, which could help them acquire solid rotation players.
One player frequently linked to the Lakers is Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite Portland’s initial reluctance to trade their starting forward, Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian reports that the Blazers are likely to move him before the regular season starts.
The Blazers are reportedly looking to trade either Anfernee Simons or Grant this offseason. Given that Portland is in the early stages of a rebuild, they aim to provide ample playing time to young talents like Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Deni Avdija. Having the 30-year-old Grant occupy significant playing time and shots would not align with their developmental goals. This scenario presents an opportunity for the Lakers to trade for the veteran forward.
Earlier reports indicated that the Blazers were seeking multiple first-round picks for Jerami Grant. However, with Grant set to earn $29.7 million next season and under contract until the end of the 2027-28 season, it’s unlikely that any team will offer that many assets for him.
Given this, the Lakers might persuade the Blazers to trade Grant for a package that includes D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and a first-round pick. Considering the Lakers’ struggles to enhance their roster this summer, this may be their best option.
