Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, and Robert Williams III in Lakers jerseys is a scenario that could shake things up for both teams. With the Trail Blazers focusing on a rebuild around their young core, moving veteran pieces like Grant and Williams makes sense. Simons, a scoring machine, could also be part of the reshuffle as the Blazers were reportedly looking to move him in the offseason.
The Lakers, currently 13-12 and sitting at the 10th seed in the Western Conference, are at a crossroads. LeBron James continues to defy time, but the team needs more consistent contributors alongside him and Anthony Davis. Adding these three players could provide the depth, defense, and scoring they need to make a serious playoff push this season. This trade could set both teams up for a more promising future.
The Trade To Fix The Lakers
Blazers receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie, Gabe Vincent, 2026 Pick Swap, 2027 Second-Round Pick, 2030 Second-Round Pick
Lakers receive: Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Robert Williams
This trade is a big-time shake-up for both squads. The Blazers would pack their bags with young talent and future picks, which fits perfectly with their rebuild around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Letting go of guys like Grant and Williams, and even Simons, who’s been their bucket-getter, just screams they’re all-in on a fresh start.
For the Lakers, this deal is like a cheat code. Simons brings the scoring firepower, Grant gives them that two-way versatility they’ve been missing, and Williams locks down the paint with his defense. It’s the kind of upgrade that could help LeBron and AD make some real noise in the playoffs, instead of just fighting to stay above .500.
There’s already been chatter about the Blazers being open to flipping these vets to focus on their young core, and the Lakers, as always, are looking for ways to get better right now. It’s the kind of trade that gives both teams what they need—future building blocks for the Blazers and win-now reinforcements for the Lakers. Bold? Yeah. But it might just work.
How Simons Can Be Huge Offensively
Anfernee Simons has had a bit of a mixed bag this season with the Trail Blazers. He’s putting up 16.5 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game, but his shooting has been a little off, hitting just 40.1% from the field. Not exactly what you’d expect from a guy known for his scoring, but sometimes a new role or environment can flip the script.
At 25, Simons is still young and packed with potential, which makes him super intriguing for teams like the Lakers. The Trail Blazers are clearly focused on their youth movement with Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan, and Shaedon Sharpe, as Simons seems like the odd man out. There’s already buzz about the Blazers exploring moves for him and Jerami Grant, which feels like the right play for where they’re heading.
For the Lakers, Simons could be a sneaky good fit. He’s got the skills to create his own shot and stretch the floor, which would take some serious weight off LeBron and AD. Sure, his shooting numbers are a bit shaky this year, but sometimes all a player needs is a fresh start and a clear role. Put him in the Lakers’ system, and his athleticism and scoring could give their offense a whole new gear.
Adding Simons would give the Lakers a dynamic backcourt option who can score in bunches and handle some playmaking duties. It’s the kind of move that might not seem like a blockbuster at first but could pay off big when it matters most.
Why Jerami Grant May Be A Great Fit With Davis
Jerami Grant’s current level of play has been underwhelming, to say the least. With 15.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 38% shooting over 23 games, he’s far from living up to his massive five-year, $160 million contract. For the Trail Blazers, this deal feels like a weight dragging them down as they focus on their young core. Grant’s inefficiency and lack of impact on winning make him expendable, and the team should be ready to accept any solid trade offer that opens up space for their frontcourt talent like Donovan Clingan and Toumani Camara.
For the Lakers, though, Grant could fill a real need. His defensive versatility would fit perfectly alongside Anthony Davis. While AD locks down the paint, Grant can take on perimeter assignments or switch onto guards, adding a layer of flexibility that the Lakers lack. Together, they’d form a dynamic defensive duo capable of matching up with almost any lineup in the league.
On offense, Grant’s shooting from deep (35.5%) could provide much-needed spacing for the Lakers’ stars. Playing in a more structured system with LeBron James would likely elevate his efficiency. Grant wouldn’t need to be a primary option, which might allow him to find his rhythm as a complementary scorer. His ability to attack closeouts and contribute in transition would make him a valuable piece, especially in a playoff setting.
For the Trail Blazers, moving Grant is about cutting losses and committing fully to their younger core. For the Lakers, it’s a chance to bolster their roster with a player who, despite his struggles, could thrive in the right role.
Already Looking At Time Lord As A Trade Option
If the Lakers pull off a trade for Jerami Grant, Robert Williams III wouldn’t be coming in to start—he’d be their go-to center off the bench. And honestly, that might be the perfect role for him. Williams thrives when he’s not overextended, and his defensive impact and hustle make him an ideal backup for Anthony Davis.
In limited action this season, Williams has averaged 9.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 7 games, shooting an absurd 71.1% from the field. He’s also swatting 1.9 shots a game and picking up 1.1 steals, proving he’s still a monster on defense when healthy. Coming off the bench, those numbers translate to instant impact—rim protection, second-chance opportunities, and energy plays that can swing momentum.
The Lakers have been desperate to find a reliable backup center, and they’ve been linked to guys like Valanciunas and Walker Kessler. But neither has materialized, and Williams makes perfect sense in this role. With his ability to hold down the paint and switch defensively, he’d keep the Lakers’ defense strong even when Davis is on the sideline.
If the Lakers are serious about maximizing their depth, adding Williams as a bench piece could be a game-changer. His defensive presence and efficiency would stabilize a frontcourt rotation that’s been missing a true backup for AD. With him in the mix, the Lakers wouldn’t just be more balanced—they’d be a deeper, more complete team.
A Lakers’ Team That Could Make A Shocking Run
Starting Five: Austin Reaves, Anfernee Simons, LeBron James, Jerami Grant, Anthony Davis
Key Bench Players: Dalton Knecht, Quincy Olivary, Cam Reddish, Robert Williams III
The Lakers might not be the deepest team in the league, but a revamped lineup like this could make them a legitimate threat. Picture this starting five: Austin Reaves at point guard, Anfernee Simons bringing scoring from the two, LeBron James still running the show at the three, Jerami Grant as the two-way enforcer at power forward, and Anthony Davis anchoring the defense at center. That’s star power, spacing, and a defensive backbone.
Off the bench, they finally have pieces to fill in the gaps. Dalton Knecht, who’s shown flashes of elite scoring, becomes the perfect sixth man. His job is simple: come in, hit shots, and carry the scoring load when the starters rest. Then there’s Robert Williams III, the rim protector the Lakers have needed for ages. He’s the ideal defensive sub for Davis, ensuring the paint stays locked down even when AD isn’t on the floor. Add Cam Reddish, a versatile wing who can defend multiple positions and provide occasional offensive spark, and you’ve got just enough bench depth to stay competitive.
This team wouldn’t rely on depth—it would rely on maximizing its star-studded starting lineup and letting the bench plug in the right pieces when needed. Simons and Grant give LeBron and AD the kind of help they’ve been lacking, while Knecht and Williams provide the firepower and defense needed to avoid drop-offs when the stars rest.
It’s not a perfect setup, but it’s one that could compete with anyone in the league. With a strong starting five and a functional bench, this Lakers team could surprise everyone come playoff time. It’s all about having the right tools, and this lineup has the pieces to make some serious noise.
