It has been a tough offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers fandom. Whether it was the NBA trade market or free agency, the team has struck out on every name imaginable. Instead, they walk into next season with largely the same roster that was a first-round exit.
The only real change has come in the form of a coaching change. While the jury is out on JJ Redick as a head coach, his lack of experience serves as a potential red flag.
However, on the roster front, no changes have come to pass. Rather, most players took up their player option, barring Spencer Dinwiddie, who came off the buyout market in the middle of the season. As a result, Rob Pelinka has caught a lot of flack, both from fans and media alike.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
But, rumors about certain trades continue to plague the rumor mill. Most notable are the names of Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz and Jerami Grant from the Portland Trailblazers. While other teams have shown interest in Lauri, the market is certainly quiet on the Grant front.
Could the trade work? And if so, how would Jerami benefit the Los Angeles Lakers?
Envisioning a Jerami Grant to the Los Angeles Lakers trade
The interest from the Lakers side has been palpable, and understandably so. Since the LeBron James & Anthony Davis pairing came to be, their most successful season had rangy wings around the two stars. In Jerami Grant, the team gets one of the best at the 3-and-D role in the entire league. As such, his pairing with the duo should be near perfect.
But, as reports suggest, the biggest hurdle for the two sides remains the asking price. Even though discussions have been rampant, the two first-round picks Portland wants are a little more than LA is willing to budge on. As a result, no deal has come to pass yet.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
It might be in Los Angeles’ best interest to stay put though. At $29.8 million, Jerami comes with a significant financial price. So, the Trailblazers might lower their asking price as the season draws nearer to rid of his contract.
With a pick and a rotational piece like Rui Hachimura or Jared Vanderbilt serving as the building blocks, a deal could be made between the two sides. Both teams would jump at the chance, with Portland strengthening its rebuild and the Lakers finding a perfect complement to both LeBron & AD.
What does Jerami Grant bring to LA?
At 6-foot-7 and 210 pounds, Jerami Grant is the perfect build for stopping guards and wings alike. In the shift to the more do-it-all mold of the current NBA, his positional versatility allows him to be effective against 1-to-4. For the Lakers, that is a god send, as the team lacks a true POA defender. Thanks to the injury bug trailing Vanderbilt, that demand becomes even more of a necessity where Grant is concerned.
However, the 10-year veteran isn’t a one-trick pony. During his initial days with the Denver Nuggets, Jerami had a one-way impact primarily. But, he did get some valuable big-game experience during his stint with the team. Looking to make a name for himself, Grant sought out a larger role and a bigger offensive burden. While his defense took a minor step back, his offensive game flourished tenfold. Whether it was off the bounce or the catch, his movements became more fluid as he became an all-around offensive threat.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
A bonafide three-level scorer, Jerami’s offensive game is refined and diverse today. Creating for himself or working off the ball, his unique skillset lends itself to all kinds of playstyles. On a Los Angeles team with additional creators in LBJ, Davis, and Austin Reaves, self-creating opportunities might diminish for the former second-round draftee. But, on the other hand, his chances at big-game moments will increase, as will the spacing around him.
Last season, Grant was a 21-point per game scorer. But, what jumps out even more is his efficiency. A smooth 45% from the field only tells half of the story, as Grant was among the best shooters in the league at over 40% on more than 5 attempts per night.
Grant’s combination of size, athleticism, defense, and scoring is hard to pass up. For the Lakers, the question is how far they are willing to go to pay the price for the coveted trade chip.
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