Lakers Seek Late-Summer Trade to Add Jerami Grant to Strengthen Roster
The only rotational player added this summer is youngster Dalton Knecht, so the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t exactly flush with offseason additions as they get ready for the 2024–25 NBA season. Though their roster-building efforts haven’t mirrored that ambition, the team is motivated to chase a title with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, despite the lack of major additions. Still, their offseason might be revitalized by a well-timed trade in late summer.
But the Portland Trail Blazers, with their dynamic young nucleus and seasoned forward Jerami Grant, are all in for a rebuild. The Blazers might be willing to let Grant go for a fair price since his deal expires in 2028 in order to free up long-term salary space. This situation gives Lakers an alluring chance to sign Grant, maybe sending to Portland Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2025 second-round selection.
The Lakers would be gaining a 3-and-D scorer with good defensive abilities in Grant, who could contribute about 20 points per game to the team. Even though Hachimura, a talented player, would have to be sacrificed in this trade, it is a vital step to be competitive in the following season. Getting intriguing young players and a second-round pick could be advantageous for the Blazers, especially in light of the Clippers’ uncertainty.
A New Veteran Presence
The Lakers have acquired prominent players throughout the LeBron James era, most notably superstar center Anthony Davis. However, as LeBron ages and exhibits physical deterioration, having a wing player like Grant on the team would free him up to concentrate more on handling the ball and creating plays. Grant improved as a scorer and defender last season, averaging 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Grant’s ability to break free from the poor shot selection habits he developed while playing for the Pistons and Blazers would be the Lakers’ biggest wager.
The Lakers would gain Grant in exchange for a developing point guard in Hood-Schifino, but they would also lose some rotational depth. His presence would greatly benefit the team on both sides of the court, and The items being replaced are interchangeable. The Lakers could get Grant without giving up a first-round pick if they received the appropriate offer.
Blazers Embrace a Clear Rebuild
The Trail Blazers, with their big men and guards, have a clear direction. With the exception of recent arrival Deni Avdija, they currently lack elite talent on the wing. Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe are projected to be the team’s starting backcourt, while Donovan Clingan was selected as a possible long-term center. The Blazers may make room for a more long-term replacement at that position by dealing Grant.
Hachimura, who had a season-average of 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds, might be a good short-term solution but not a long-term one. Despite his injuries from the previous season, Gabe Vincent is an experienced guard who might have a good impact on Anfernee Simons and Henderson, two younger players. Hood-Schifino, meanwhile, has the ability to advance as a versatile combination guard. into a valuable asset.
Differentiating Routes: Championship Challengers against Future-Rebuilding
There is a clear difference in the trajectory of the Lakers and Blazers. While the Lakers are aware that their window for winning a championship is closing and they must move quickly to stay competitive with the best teams in the West, the Blazers are concentrated on developing a youthful core for the future. Grant’s addition would demonstrate the Lakers’ dedication to being a title contender.
On the other hand, the Blazers are aiming for a lower ranking in the hopes of obtaining a first-round selection and possibly snagging a franchise-changing player like Cooper Flagg. Even though their plan to fail is obvious, depending too much on lottery chance can be dangerous. Nevertheless, they might still obtain a top choice and obtain a sizable haul given the depth of the 2025 Draft. The Blazers can better prepare for a rebuilding phase and lessen the financial load of Grant’s large contract by dealing the 30-year-old. Both teams stand to gain from this scenario.
