Top player to join the Lakers in a proposed blockbuster trade, while the Trail Blazers receive a rebuilding package
The Lakers are interested in trading for Jerami Grant and Duop Reath, giving the Blazers valuable pieces to bolster their championship run while Portland rebuilds.
According to a trade proposal by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, the Portland Trail Blazers would give up D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Duop Reath.
Jerami Grant and Duop Reath are received by the Los Angeles Lakers.
D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2029 first-round selection, and a 2025 second-round pick are acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers (via LAC)
Considering how quiet their offseason has been, the Lakers may view this as a major boost. Jerami Grant would provide both offensive firepower and defensive flexibility. Last season, he scored 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting an incredible 45.1% from the field and 40.2% from three-point range.
Even though he was playing for a losing team, Grant’s numbers suggest that he would be happy in a more defined position with players like Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Grant might improve his efficiency and contribute more defensively as a third or fourth scoring option, depending on Austin Reaves’ progress, strengthening the Lakers’ chances of winning the championship.
For the Lakers, bringing Reath into the equation may also be a calculated move. Reath, a 27-year-old rookie in the previous campaign, shown his ability to defend the rim and spread the field, which made him a viable backup option for Anthony Davis at center. His distinct skill set may provide the Lakers’ rotation more depth and adaptability.
This deal would represent the Trail Blazers’ ongoing dedication to rebuilding in the years after Damian Lillard’s departure. Even though D’Angelo Russell’s $18.7 million deal is about to expire, Portland may benefit from adding Jarred Vanderbilt to their youthful core of Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson as a defensive anchor.
Portland may find value in Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers’ first-round selection from the previous round, who has the potential to be a productive young player.
A 2029 first-round selection and a 2025 second-round selection would also provide the Portland Trail Blazers more resources to help with their reconstruction and enable them to amass the components they’ll need for a better future.
With the addition of a versatile scorer and defender, the Los Angeles Lakers strengthen their championship hopes, and the Portland Trailblazers add valuable draft capital and young players to further build for the future, this proposed trade presents a chance for both teams to meet their individual needs.
