Los Angeles Lakers Reportedly Engaged In Trade Talks For Impact Wing, Face High Price

Los Angeles Lakers rumors this summer have tied the team to All-Star talents like DeMar DeRozan, Klay Thompson and DeJounte Murray. After missing out on each of them, Los Angeles is reportedly turning its sights towards a trade target who would strengthen the lineup.

While the Lakers offered Thompson a more lucrative contract offer, he chose the Dallas Mavericks because he believed they offered a better path to a championship. Meanwhile, DeRozan is seemingly close to either landing with the Sacramento Kings or Miami Heat.

Related: Best Los Angeles Lakers players ever

• Los Angeles Lakers future draft picks: 2025 2nd (LAC), 2025 2nd (LAL), 2026 1st, 2026 2nd, 2027 2nd, 2028 1st, 2019 1st, 2030 1st, 2030 2nd, 2031 1st, 2031 2nd

After striking out on top free agents, Los Angeles is now focused on the trade market. While there isn’t an All-Star available who the Lakers can realistically acquire, especially with their insistence to protect future draft picks, there is one option being pursued.

According to Anthony Irwin of Lakers Daily , the Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers have been engaged in consistent talks on a trade involving Jerami Grant. While a deal isn’t imminent, Los Angeles and Portland have maintained active communication in recent days.

Related: Los Angeles Lakers trade targets revealed by NBA insider

• Jerami Grant stats : 21 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 45.1% FG, 40.2% 3PT, 2.1 3PM per game

Grant, age 30, is entering the second season of a five-year, $160 million deal. While he carries just a $29.793 million salary for the upcoming season, the veteran forward will make $32 million in his age-31 season followed by $34.206 million (2026-’27) with a $36.413 million player option in 2027

Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers have ‘little’ interest in All-Star PG

As for the Trail Blazers’ asking price, Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report notes that the Pelicans are requiring the Lakers to attach first-round picks in 2029 and 2031.

It’s a price tag the Lakers aren’t willing to meet but Portland doesn’t have much interest in players on the Lakers roster, outside of Rui Hachimura. For now, both teams will likely explore alternatives but the two sides could revisit their talks later this summer.

More must-reads:

• Los Angeles Lakers Reportedly Have Shown ‘Little Interest’ In Trade For All-Star Guard
• Los Angeles Lakers Reportedly In Active Trade Talks With 3 Teams, Including Brooklyn Nets