Although the Los Angeles Lakers have failed to attract a big name in free agency this season, the franchise may still end up with more talent for next season. But if an NBA insider is to be believed, Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant may soon be donning the Purple and Gold soon.
Before Grant entered the league as a pro, he played college basketball at Syracuse University. After that run, the forward was then drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft.
After two seasons with the Sixers, Grant was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016, where he spent the next three seasons. In 2019, he joined the Denver Nuggets and then signed with the Detroit Pistons in 2020. In 2022, the talented forward was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he currently plays.
Throughout his professional career, Grant has shown versatility as a power forward, known for his defensive abilities and improving offensive game. He has been a consistent contributor for his teams, averaging double-digit points and rebounds in several seasons. In 2020, the Trail Blazers star won a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic basketball team at the Tokyo Games.
Portland Trail Blazers’ Jerami Grant Rumored to Be Acquired By The Los Angeles Lakers
Over the past few weeks, the Lakers have only managed to sign LeBron James to a new deal, a move that can be considered as their biggest during the offseason. But according to a Lakers Daily article written by Jesse Cinquini and quoting NBA insider Zach Lowe, Los Angeles is rumored to be pursuing Grant.
“Should we start printing the Jerami Grant-Lakers jerseys, by the way?” Lowe posed. “Should we just do it now? I think we — I might order one.”
“Jerami Grant can play, he is a shooter, he is a good, active defender when he is engaged, he is going to do a lot of things that help your team,” the executive told Heavy Sports. “But he is a third option. He has some big numbers the last few years, but he has done it on terrible teams. No one is going to make a big trade for a guy who gives you 20 (points) on a bad team and 13 (points) on a good one.
Over the course of 54 games last season, Grant averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He can also space the floor with his 40 percent shooting from deep and defend multiple positions on the other end of the court.
It remains to be seen where Grant will end up once the offseason is over. If he does move to Los Angeles, there’ll be a lot to expect from the forward as he plays alongside James and All-Star big man Anthony Davis for next season.
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