The L.A. Lakers have been the subject of intense NBA trade rumors this offseason, as they search for a player to elevate their championship prospects. Despite their efforts, they’ve yet to secure a key acquisition.
General manager Rob Pelinka remains active on the trade front while LeBron James and Anthony Davis compete for Team USA in the Paris 2024 Olympics. One player still on Pelinka’s radar is a forward from the Portland Trail Blazers, who have made their top two players available.
The Lakers are reportedly interested in Jerami Grant, a forward who could fit well alongside their star duo. However, the challenge remains whether Pelinka can offer a compelling trade package to convince the Blazers.
Portland is looking to trade Grant and Anfernee Simons as part of their strategy to position themselves for the 2025 NBA Draft, potentially aiming for top prospect Cooper Flagg.
According to Yahoo!Sports’ Jake Fischer (via HoopsHype), the Lakers see Grant as a viable option to boost their chances for the 2024-25 season. Grant has emerged as a strong starter with averages of 20.7 points and 4.1 rebounds on efficient shooting splits during his time with Portland. While he has occasionally played behind Damian Lillard and Simons, he could be a valuable addition behind James and Davis.
The key question remains whether Pelinka is willing to meet the Blazers’ asking price for Grant.