LeBron’s Last Stand? Lakers Could Trade For Jerami Grant To Boost Title Hopes

The Los Angeles Lakers might be the most curious team this NBA offseason. After another playoff exit to the Denver Nuggets, many were expecting them to rebound with multiple roster changes. But, they have stood pat, only adding two rookies in the NBA draft. Instead of the multiple changes, they walk into next season with basically the same roster. And questions are starting to emerge.

Due to the brilliance of LeBron James, the team should definitely be competitive. But, it isn’t a world-beater by any stretch of the imagination. As such, with the 39-year-old at the helm, it feels like a criminal waste of the final days of his prime. As evidenced by the Paris Olympics, James still has it. But, he needs a quality team around him to have a shot at contending for a title.

On the Lakers’ end, any move would mean giving up on assets and the potential future. But, with LBJ at the helm, they could come to a compromise. One name perpetually tied with them has been Jerami Grant from the Portland Trailblazers. As per reports, the two teams had multiple discussions about what a potential trade could look like. However, nothing concrete came to pass and Grant is still in Portland.

Still, Grant is the best-case scenario for Los Angeles and GM Rob Pelinka. And, there might be a way to make both parties happy.

Bleacher Report’s Trade Idea Sends Jerami Grant to Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Jerami Grant

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Jarred Vanderbilt, G Maxwell Lewis, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Coming down from two first-rounders to one might be the biggest jump for Portland. While Jerami has $132 million left over four years, the Trail Blazers might be looking for a bigger draft haul for the 3-and-D specialist. But, the addition of D’Angelo Russell might persuade them otherwise.

Russell has had a great tenure with the Lakers, barring the playoffs. Throughout the regular season, D’Lo functions as one of the better point guards in the league. For Portland, his on-court production would be secondary as they could repackage him for more assets.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates

Similarly, Jarred Vanderbilt should fetch a decent price in the trade market. With his immense defensive versatility and upside, teams might be willing to budge additional draft compensation. Further, his $12 million-a-year contract makes it extremely viable for any future teams. But, at 25, JV is young enough to potentially factor into the Trailblazers’ future.

Adding Maxwell Lewis and the 2029 1st-rounder is the true deal sweetener. In Max, Portland gets a youngster with immense potential. Rather than let it rot, they could find a place for him on their rotation, allowing him to flourish. For a team looking ahead to the future, another developmental piece couldn’t hurt.

What would the Lakers’ trajectory look like?

During the Olympics, LeBron went back to playing the point full-time. Not since the Lakers 2019-20 Championship run had James taken on that role. But, in their run to the Gold Medal, it became clear that the King was still elite as the lead guard. Moving D’Angelo Russell out of town would open up that potential pathway, allowing LBJ to return to his natural position.

Of course, the fit of Jerami Grant in Los Angeles has been explored by multiple teams. But, it is a glove-in-hand fit, given Grant’s unique skillset. Due to an increase in offensive load, Jerami’s defense took a backseat. But, he still remains terrifying on that end. However, his offensive explosion has added multiple wrinkles to his game. As a 3rd or potential 4th option, he could thrive under the spotlights.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates

During his time with the Denver Nuggets, he had enough experience playing in high-leverage games. That experience could come in handy as the Lakers make another push to the top. For Los Angeles, it is a virtual no-brainer. It remains to be seen if Pelinka can convince Portland about the potential upside of such a deal and bring LeBron James a true difference maker.

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