The Los Angeles Lakers might finally complete a trade before the end of summer. So far, they have remained quiet during the offseason.
General Manager Rob Pelinka hasn’t been able to make any significant moves to improve the team, despite his efforts in free agency and the trade market. This has been disappointing for Lakers fans as they have missed out on several key targets.
Now that the peak of free agency has passed and not many impactful players are left, the Lakers are focusing on the trade market. They have two first-round picks and several tradeable contracts, such as those of D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, which could help them acquire some solid players for their rotation.
One player who has been frequently linked to the Lakers is Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers. Although the Blazers have been hesitant to trade their starting forward, a recent report by Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian suggests that Portland may move him before the regular season begins.
The Blazers are reportedly aiming to trade either Anfernee Simons or Grant this offseason. This makes sense because the team is in the early stages of rebuilding and wants to give more playing time to young players like Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Deni Avdija.
Having the 30-year-old Grant take playing time and shots away from these young players isn’t ideal for the Blazers. This 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 Grant. However, considering that Grant’s salary is $29.7 million for next season and he is under contract until the end of the 2027-28 season, it seems unlikely that any team would give up so many assets for him now.
Therefore, the Lakers might be able to persuade the Blazers to trade Grant in exchange for a package that includes Russell, Hachimura, and a first-round pick. Given how challenging it has been for the Lakers to strengthen their roster this summer, this trade could be their best option.
