In this trade proposal, the Lakers explore a win-now trade for Jerami Grant, targeting a proven two-way wing to eliminate postseason weaknesses and solidify their contender status ahead of the 2026 deadline.
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the 2026 trade deadline in a familiar spot: near the contender class.
And when teams reach that stage, the goal is rarely to add more options. It's to eliminate uncertainty and secure the contender spot.
That's where Jerami Grant comes in. He's the type of two-way wing contenders prioritize: reliable, versatile, and playoff-tested.
This deal reflects that mindset, turning depth and future assets into one clear upgrade.
Proposed Jerami Grant to Lakers Trade Details
Lakers receive:
Jerami Grant
Trail Blazers receive:
Rui Hachimura
Gabe Vincent
Dalton Knecht
2029 first-round pick (LAL)
2032 second-round pick
Why it makes sense for the Lakers
The Lakers don't need more depth; they need fewer weaknesses. Grant checks almost every postseason box. He's a switchable 6'7" forward who can defend wings, knock down open threes, and score without needing the offense built around him.
In playoff environments where opponents relentlessly hunt mismatches, that kind of player becomes invaluable.
This is classic deadline consolidation. Hachimura provides scoring but can be matchup-dependent. Vincent hasn't fully stabilized the guard rotation. Knecht is intriguing, but rookies rarely swing playoff series in real time.
By converting three rotation-level question marks into one proven playoff wing, the Lakers immediately raise their postseason floor.
Why it makes sense for Portland
For the Portland Trail Blazers, this deal isn't about replacing Grant's production. It's about resetting the timeline.
Grant is 31, expensive, and no longer aligned with a roster focused on long-term development.
Moving him now clears more than $100 million in future salary, giving Portland flexibility under the new CBA to absorb contracts, extend young players, or simply keep its options open.
The future value matters just as much. A 2029 Lakers first fits neatly into Portland's rebuilding window, and by that point, Los Angeles' outlook is far from guaranteed. That kind of uncertainty is exactly what rebuilding teams target.
The incoming players come with minimal downside: Hachimura is still young enough to evaluate in a larger role, Vincent serves as clean salary ballast, and Knecht is a low-cost shooting swing.
Portland doesn't win this trade today, and that's fine. The value is delayed by design, aligning with where the franchise is headed rather than where it's been.
Nojus Stankevičius
Nojus Stankevičius began his basketball writing journey in 2023, when he started studying Journalism at Vilnius University. In 2024, he participated in the BasketNews Academy. Then, a year later, in 2025, he officially joined BasketNews as a Daily Writer, marking the beginning of his professional career in sports journalism.
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