Grade the Trade: Realistic Blazers proposal has Jerami Grant landing with Lakers

Blazers get multiple assets back from the Lakers

The Lakers have missed out on multiple trade and free-agency options this summer and are set to enter the 2024-25 season with no significant changes to a roster that lost in the first round of the playoffs last year. Buckley sums it up nicely: "Perhaps LeBron James' MVP performance at the Olympics will be a wake-up call for the Lakers. Their sleepy summer feels borderline indefensible with the 39-year-old still hooping at such a high level and still being in such obvious need of an upgraded supporting cast."

The Lakers and general manager Rob Pelinka are in a difficult position because they are rushed to make some move given LeBron's short window and the fact that he's somehow still playing at an elite level. However, the trade has to be significant enough to warrant sacrificing their future. The worst situation would be to give up both first-round picks and still get bounced early on in the playoffs, which could happen even if they trade for Grant. This trade balances both sides of the equation for the Lakers, giving them a third piece without giving up too many future assets.

For two reasons, this trade proposal may not work for the Blazers or be to Cronin's liking. Portland reportedly isn't interested in getting D'Angelo Russell back in any potential Grant trade. But if they were to do this trade, the Blazers would likely flip D-Lo, who is on an expiring $18.7 million deal. Additionally, Cronin has been seeking two first-round picks from the Lakers for Grant. Should they be considering this proposal regardless?