Lakers Trade Rumors: Jerami Grant on LA's 'Radar' amid D'Angelo Russell, Blazers Buzz
July 31, 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers are still exploring options to improve their roster, and they're reportedly eyeing a veteran swingman.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported during an appearance on The Good Word with Vincent Goodwill that Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant is drawing trade interest from the Lakers.
"To your point, yes, the Lakers have, I think, limited options of players who are actually available, who are difference-makers that they could foreseeably go and acquire," Fischer said around the 9:40 mark (h/t HoopsHype). "To my knowledge, [Jerami Grant] is someone that's been on the radar."
Fischer's report comes after Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian reported this week that trading Grant or shooting guard Anfernee Simons is "definitely the goal" for the Blazers before training camp begins. Fentress went on to add that he believes both players "will be gone by next summer."
If the Lakers pursue Grant, it's likely that point guard D'Angelo Russell will be included in their trade offer. The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported last week that Los Angeles has been shopping Russell since he opted into his $18.7 million contract for the 2024-25 season.
Grant is a productive player who can make an impact on both ends of the floor. In 54 games last season, the 30-year-old averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting a career-high 40.2 percent from three-point range.
The Blazers are still in the midst of a rebuild, so Grant would likely welcome a change in scenery. The Lakers would be in a much better position to contend for a title next season if they can convince the Blazers to deal him away.