Lakers Rumors: Oft-Moved Combo Forward Emerges As Possible LA Trade Option

Will Los Angeles finally land their target?

Amidst your Los Angeles Lakers' struggles this season, they are widely viewed to be one of the more aggressive teams at the upcoming trade deadline. They have been linked with multiple players, and will likely pull the trigger on some type of trade.

One name that the Lakers have long had an interest in is forward Jerami Grant from the Portland Trailblazers. He would bring strong two-way abilities to the table, and it seems that Los Angeles is once again looking his way.

According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the team has been looking at multiple names across the league. Grant is one of them, and the Lakers could try to finally bring him to town. 

"Other names that have come up in talks with team and league personnel over the past two weeks include Portland’s Jerami Grant, Charlotte’s Terry Rozier, Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr. and Brooklyn’s Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale. Each player fills at least one of the Lakers’ three needs."

Per Jovan Buha of The Athletic

Grant would be a massive addition to this team, and could fit in nicely alongside the two stars. Both have been fans of his for a long time, especially after he showed out against the Lakers in the 2020 Western Conference Finals with the Denver Nuggets.

He would be the player that some in the organization believe that Taurean Prince is. Prince has been good for the team, but Grant would be an upgrade. In 36 games with Portland, Grant is averaging 21.8 points and is shooting 40.9% from the three-point line. 

The biggest issue with Grant is his large contract that he just recently signed with Portland. He is signed for the next five years, with one player option, with three seasons earning over $30 million.

The Lakers front office has been hesitant to bring on any long-term money like this, so landing Grant could end up being a pipe dream. However, he may be the best fit for this team to heavily compete this season.

The front office will need to weight everything on the table, and make the decisions that they feel is best. They have earned the benefit of the doubt, and now it's time to trust their judgment for the rest of the year.