The Lakers have reportedly registered interest in Portland Trail Blazers swingman Jerami Grant, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. That makes a ton of sense, as Grant has ranked among the league’s most logical trade candidates since signing a five-year, $160 million pact last summer—the night before Damian Lillard decided he wanted out of the Pacific Northwest.
That’s a pricey pact for Grant, though, who was filled a support role on some good teams but only posted premium numbers on bad ones.
Provided that contract gets baked into Grant’s trade cost, the Lakers could be in business. So far, that hasn’t happened. Per Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report, the Blazers’ asking price to this point has been both of the Lakers’ tradeable first-round draft picks (2029 and 2031).
If L.A. could talk Portland down to a package built around one of those picks (with at least a little protection) and Rui Hachimura, a player that has some appeal to the Blazers, per Highkin, then there could be a deal to be made. Grant’s defensive versatility would be a boon for JJ Redick’s bunch, while a shift into more of a complementary role should help boost Grant’s efficiency.
