The Los Angeles Lakers need a third All-Star player because they won’t be able to compete in the Western Conference with the Minnesota Timberwolves , Denver Nuggets , Oklahoma City Thunder , and even the Sacramento Kings looking strong ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
Two names that have been floated around for the Lakers are Brandon Ingram and Jerami Grant who could be available for the right price. Amazingly, the Lakers could be in a position to acquire both All-Star players and it involves one of the biggest three-team trades in NBA history as it involves the New Orleans Pelicans and the Portland Trail Blazers .
Let’s break down how this trade works for all teams involved to understand which grade each one gets.
Proposed Trade Package
Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram, Jerami Grant
New Orleans Pelicans: Deandre Ayton, Cam Redish, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Portland Trail Blazers: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Ha chimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Form A Superteam In The Western Conference
The Los Angeles Lakers acquiring both Brandon Ingram and Jerami Grant instantly transforms them into a formidable contender in the Western Conference. Pairing Ingram and Grant with LeBron James and Anthony Davis gives the Lakers a terrifying Big Three Ingram, who averaged 20.8 points per game last season on 35.5% shooting from three, brings much-needed perimeter scoring and shot creation, especially for a team that struggles when LeBron rests. Jerami Grant, coming off a season where he averaged 21.0 points per game, gives the Lakers another two-way threat who can guard multiple positions and stretch the floor. In a league that demands versatility, Ingram and Grant fit perfectly alongside LeBron and AD.
The proposed lineup of LeBron, Austin Reaves, Ingram, Grant, and Davis is both big and dynamic. LeBron will have the luxury of playing more of a point-forward role, similar to what he did for Team USA in the Olympics, orchestrating the offense while surrounded by shooters, slashers, and elite defenders. Ingram and Grant both have the ability to play off-ball or create their own shots, while Reaves, who shot 36.7% from three last season, complements them with his shooting and playmaking. This spacing and versatility give Davis the room to dominate inside while allowing LeBron to pick apart defenses in a way he hasn't since the 2020 title run.
From a defensive standpoint, this group is imposing. Grant’s 6'8" frame, 7'3" wingspan, and defensive versatility will allow him to take on tough matchups, easing the burden on LeBron and Davis. Ingram has steadily improved on defense, and with Grant handling top-scoring threats, the Lakers can switch across multiple positions. This move not only gives them a shot at reclaiming the title but allows LeBron to preserve energy as the focal point, much like he did during his Olympic gold medal campaign in 2024.
New Orleans Pelicans Provide Zion Williamson Frontcourt Cover
For the Pelicans, bringing in Deandre Ayton makes sense as they need reliable frontcourt depth and insurance for Zion Williamson. Ayton has proven himself as a quality starting center, averaging 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds last season. He’s a force inside who can score efficiently (57.0% FG), rebound, and defend the paint. Zion's injury history is well-documented, and adding Ayton gives New Orleans the luxury of not having to rely solely on their star forward’s availability. The frontcourt pairing of Ayton and Zion also offers New Orleans a twin-towers look that would overwhelm most teams, allowing them to dominate on the boards and in the paint.
The inclusion of Cam Reddish provides additional wing depth for New Orleans, a team that could benefit from his size (6'8") and defensive potential. Reddish has struggled to find consistency in his young career, but a fresh start in New Orleans with less pressure could be what he needs to realize his potential as a 3-and-D contributor. The 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers is a long-term asset, giving New Orleans additional draft capital for future moves.
With Brandon Ingram gone, the Pelicans will be more focused on building around Zion and Ayton while making CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray the primary perimeter creators. This move allows them to build a more balanced team that won’t overly rely on Zion’s health. Ayton’s durability and consistent production provide a much-needed safety net, while Reddish and future assets give them the flexibility to continue building for the long term.
Portland Trail Blazers Suddenly Retool
The Trail Blazers pull off a massive retooling by acquiring D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura , Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie, and a 2031 first-round pick from the Lakers. Russell, coming off a season where he averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists, immediately fills the void at point guard left by the Damian Lillard trade. His playmaking, alongside Scoot Henderson, gives Portland a dynamic backcourt that can distribute and score. Russell’s ability to stretch the floor (41.5% from three) fits well with Portland’s spacing and pick-and-roll-heavy offense. He’s not Damian Lillard, but his steady hand will help mentor Henderson while contributing solid offense.
Hachimura and Vanderbilt bring much-needed frontcourt versatility and size to the Blazers. Hachimura showed his potential during the Lakers’ playoff run, where he averaged 13.6 points per game and played a key role off the bench with his mid-range scoring and defense. He gives Portland a 6'8" forward who can score in multiple ways and defend wings, which is crucial in a conference loaded with stars. Vanderbilt, on the other hand, is one of the better defenders in the league, capable of guarding 1-5. His energy, rebounding (career 6.4 RPG), and defensive intensity will fit well on a young Blazers team that needs defensive anchors.
Max Christie is a promising young guard who can develop in Portland’s system. The 2031 first-round pick gives the Blazers another future asset to build with, as they continue to craft a competitive team around their young core. This trade is a win for Portland in terms of depth and flexibility, as they’ve added multiple contributors without sacrificing their youth movement around Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
What Grade Does This Trade Get?
Los Angeles Lakers: B
The Lakers get a solid B for pulling off a deal that brings in two borderline All-Stars without giving up a cornerstone like Austin Reaves or one of their two superstars. Adding Brandon Ingram and Jerami Grant immediately elevates the team into a contender, but sending out two future first-round picks (2029 and 2031) does deplete their long-term draft capital. With LeBron James nearing the end of his career, the Lakers are clearly focused on winning now, but it comes at the cost of their future flexibility. The risk is justified if it results in a championship, but if the team falls short, they may regret moving those picks. Still, Ingram and Grant are perfect fits alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis, and the team becomes more versatile and well-rounded.
New Orleans Pelicans: B
The Pelicans also get a B for securing Deandre Ayton as a solid frontcourt option alongside or behind Zion Williamson. Ayton, who averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds last season, gives the team the kind of reliable big man they’ve been missing. This trade gives New Orleans a better chance to contend even if Zion continues to deal with injuries, as Ayton can hold down the fort inside. Cam Reddish is more of a project, but he has upside as a defensive wing, and the 2029 first-round pick is a nice future asset. The deal doesn’t transform the Pelicans into immediate contenders, but it positions them well for the future while still improving their current roster.
Portland Trail Blazers: D
Portland earns a disappointing D for this trade, as they bring in a collection of players without addressing their most pressing needs. Acquiring D'Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Max Christie adds depth, but the team already has a crowded backcourt with Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons, and they’re overloaded in the frontcourt after the addition of Deandre Ayton earlier in the offseason. While Russell provides scoring and playmaking, he doesn’t fit with their long-term plans, and the rest of the players acquired are decent role players at best. The Blazers need to clear out roster space just to accommodate these incoming players, and the 2031 first-round pick is so far in the future that it offers little immediate value. This feels like a move made for the sake of making a move, rather than a calculated decision to improve their roster structure.
Related: Fadeaway World's Trade Idea Sends Kyrie Irving To The Lakers, Kawhi Leonard To The Mavericks
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News . We really appreciate your support.
Local News
