The Los Angeles Lakers are not going to be afraid to shake things up. They are looking to build the absolute best roster around Luka Doncic, and the Lakers trade rumors will continue as long as they are trying to contend.
Right now, the Lakers trade rumors have quieted down as their management has made it clear they like where the team is at to start the season. That doesn’t mean that a Lakers trade couldn’t happen once the season starts.
Sam Amico of Hoops Wire proposed a Lakers trade proposal that could upgrade the roster. The Jerami Grant-Lakers trade looks like this:
“Rui Hachimura to Portland in exchange for Jerami Grant. Now, let’s examine.
Grant, 31, is in the third year of a five-year, $160 million contract signed in 2023. He will make $32 million this season and is under contract through 2028.
Typically a versatile scorer and defender, Grant averaged 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season in just 47 games.
His ability to guard multiple positions and stretch the floor could give Los Angeles the proven veteran it needs alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and offseason additions Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart…For the Lakers, the question is whether Grant’s veteran edge and big contract are worth moving on from Hachimura’s steadiness and affordability. For the Blazers, it would be a matter of trading a strong veteran for financial flexibility and a player more aligned with their developing core.”
This trade would be a terrible idea for the Lakers. While a Jerami Grant-Lakers combo is intriguing, it isn’t worth taking on his long-term money. Grant isn’t necessarily that much better than Hachimura. His ceiling is higher, but last season, they put up fairly similar stats with Hachimura shooting much better from deep.
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So, despite Grant being a bigger name, this Lakers trade idea is a no-no. Hachimura is a solid player on a decent contract. He should only be moved for a significant upgrade.
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