At 22-23, there is no doubt that the Los Angeles Lakers have been among the NBA’s most disappointing teams this season. Through the first half, inconsistency and inefficiency have defined their campaign.
Fortunately, the league’s annual trade deadline offers the Lakers a window of opportunity to make a move that will help turn their season around.
The exact nature of Rob Pelinka’s plans remains uncertain, but we do know of at least one offer the Lakers made recently. According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, the team has offered THT, Kendrick Nunn, and a first-round pick to the Pistons for two-way wing, Jerami Grant.
“Reason being: That 2027 first is clearly the most valuable trade asset that the Lakers currently possess,” Stein wrote. “The Lakers have tried, with no luck yet, to package that pick with Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn in an attempt to acquire Jerami Grant from Detroit.”
The Lakers have offered Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, and their 2027 1st-round pick to the Pistons for Jerami Grant.
(via @TheSteinLine, more at https://t.co/Abo5mZYOXf) pic.twitter.com/P0j7EtoXti
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 21, 2022
Grant isn’t going to win any awards this season, but he is a player that can move the needle for a struggling Lakers team. As a guy who can do pretty much anything on the court, he’d be a perfect fit for the Lakeshow and any other team for that matter.
In fact, he has been described by some as the “grand prize” of the trade deadline.
As Simmons is still unlikely to be moved, Grant has attracted around a dozen suitors. With apologies to Myles Turner, “He’s the grand prize of this deadline,” one team strategist said.
The Lakers, Trail Blazers, Knicks, Jazz, Wizards, Celtics, Pacers, Timberwolves and Kings have all signaled interest in the 27-year-old.
The Lakers have deep-rooted problems, and they’ll need to do more than trade for Jerami Grant if they want to turn things around.
To really maximize their talent, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and (most importantly) Russell Westbrook will have to come together, learn how to play with each other, and bring out the best in their teammates.
It will not be easy, but it’s never wise to count the Lakers out of anything.
