Should the Lakers Trade for Jerami Grant? Would He Improve the Defense? A Scouting Report!

The Lakers have, just in case you've been sleeping through the summer, done as close to nothing as a team can assuming they actually participate in the Draft. No free agent signings. No trades. Nothing. 

And aside from Zach LaVine, who Chicago can't seem to get rid of but has very, very little buzz around him (not just with the Lakers, but everywhere) the only guy left on the trade market the Lakers might actually have access to — no, they can't make a run at Utah's Lauri Markkinen — is Portland's Jerami Grant. He's a guy that's been connected to the Lakers at different points over the years and would, at least in theory, help address team needs on the wing as a guy with a good defensive reputation and a steady 3-point shot. 

But does the reality match the reputation? 

Do the Lakers, who don't have that many quality assets, have the means to acquire Grant without overpaying, whether in draft picks, rotation caliber players, or both? 

Is it a good idea to acquire a 30-year old on a $160 million deal that runs another four seasons? 

To answer these questions and more, we hit up Mike Richman, host of Locked On Blazers, who has watched Grant up close and on repeat for the last couple seasons. Does he think the proverbial juice is worth the squeeze here for LA? 

Richman breaks down Grant's strengths and weaknesses as a defender, and how he might fit into a playoff rotation next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. We also get into whether the Lakers would have to overpay by too much, just to make the dollars work. Especially if Portland chooses to drive a hard bargain. 

He's a tempting name, but is it worth it? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky (with Mike Richman) 

 

SEGMENT 1: Scouting Jerami Grant -- Is the Defense as good as the rep? 

 

SEGMENT 2: What would it cost to get him? 

 

SEGMENT 3: Is Grant worth it? 

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay Motors
From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)