10 Players Lakers may replace Gabe Vincent with by the trade deadline
By Tyler Watts
4. Jerami Grant
The Blazers re-signed Grant to a five-year $160 million contract in free agency in hopes of keeping Damian Lillard in Portland. The superstar requested a trade before the ink was dry on Grant’s deal. Now, Dame is in Milwaukee and Grant is leading the rebuilding Blazers.
The 6’8 forward averaged 22.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 block per game through his first eight this season. He can play multiple different roles and should draw interest from contenders before the deadline.
Grant has averaged over 19 points per game for four straight years, is a career 35.8 percent 3-point shooter, and can guard several positions. His versatility and well-rounded game make him a fit on any roster.
The Lakers would have to package Gabe Vincent with D’Angelo Russell or Rui Hachimura to land Grant’s contract. The current Blazer played 35.7 minutes per game last season and turns 30 in March. He should be in his prime and ready to handle whatever role the Lakers throw his way.
Jerami Grant may not solve their perimeter defensive issues. The Los Angeles Lakers’ closing lineup would become LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and Grant with one of Hachimura, D-Lo, or Jarred Vanderbilt. Is there enough shooting and who guards the opposition’s top playmaker? The Lakers may opt for a perimeter stopper instead.