The Los Angeles Lakers are in direct need of reinforcements after failing to sign any of the summer's top free agents.
With limited cap space, they're exploring trade options, and D'Angelo Russell is likely to be traded.
Russell's $ 18.6 million cap hit after opting into his 2024-25 player option earlier this month could facilitate a deal for an All-Star player to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
As the Lakers scan the market for upgrades, their transfer targets are coming into focus.
Jerami Grant: The Lakers Transfer Target
According to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fisher, on the latest episode of the "Good World with Goodwill" podcast, he revealed that Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant is a top target for the Lakers.
Grant, a gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has averaged at least 19.2 or more points in each of the last four seasons and is emerging from a solid campaign that saw him average 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 0.8 steals across 54 games.
His addition to the team would help the Lakers with their need for a third-scoring option.
While Fischer discussed the Lakers' limited game-changing options, he said, "To my knowledge, Jerami Grant is someone on the radar. However, I'm not sure if the Trail Blazers feel pressure to move Grant this summer."
However, Grant is under contract for an approximate total of $95.9 million across the next three seasons with a $36.4 million player option for 2027-28.
Meanwhile, Fischer's report came a few days after The Athletic's Jovan Buha spoke about how Portland isn't interested in Russell's services.
https://youtu.be/BE2J8n2s1eE
The Trail Blazers are prioritizing a return that features two first-round draft picks, which the Lakers are unwilling to surrender.
D'Angelo Russell was quite strong in the regular season, but he left much to be desired come playoff time by averaging 14.2 points on .384/.318/.500 shooting splits with 4.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds in five games against the Denver Nuggets.
Russell's inconsistent playoff performance during the 2023-24 season and the Lakers' desire for an upgrade marks him a prime transfer candidate.
If the Lakers can acquire Grant, they'll have a formidable trio with LeBron, Davis, and Grant.
However, before the Los Angeles Lakers can get Grant, they would still need to add about $11.1 million salary to male thing work, meaning they'll send another player like Gabe Vincent ($11 million) or Jarred Vanderbilt( $10.7 million) with Russell to move to Portland.
The Lakers' pursuit of Grant shows their urgency to strengthen their roster.
With Russell likely on the move, they must find a suitable replacement to contend for a championship.
As the offseason unfolds, the Lakers will need to navigate the trade market to carefully achieve their goal.
As the situation develops, fans will be watching closely to see if the Lakers can secure the talent they need to succeed.
While we wait, on FanDuel Sportsbook, the Lake Show is tied for the ninth-best 2024-25 NBA Finals odds (+3500).