NBA Trades: 1 trade target for every Pacific Division team

5 of 5

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 21: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades Pacific Division: Los Angeles Lakers – Jerami Grant

At eighth in the Western Conference this season with a 22-22 record, the Los Angeles Lakers need to shake things up before the 2022 trade deadline. Among the handful of rumored trade targets they have been linked to, Jerami Grant seems like one they are pushing for hard.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania (subscription required) reported back in December that LA was pursuing the versatile forward, and their interest is justifiable.

Grant would be the perfect two-way punch that this team needs right now as they look to get back on the right path to contention. Offensively, the forward has been fantastic over the past two seasons with the Detroit Pistons, averaging 21.6 points per game.

Although those numbers would regress playing alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook, Grant could be the perfect complement to the trio. Defensively, he would help tremendously by taking on top-notch assignments and alleviating pressure off of LA’s other stars on that end.

While the on-court fit makes sense, the Lakers may run into trouble when trying to put together a worthy trade package for the Pistons to ponder. Grant is on the books for $20 million this season, which would force the Lakers to navigate through some financial hoops to make the money work.

Tie that in with their shortage of desirable draft assets, and the Lakers are in a tough spot. There are other teams that can make far more compelling offers for Grant’s services, but that should not stop the purple and gold from making an effort to acquire him.

dark. Next. 1 trade target for every Central Division team