NBA Trades: The Lakers and Magic land major upgrades in a potential Blazers fire sale
By Cal Durrett
NBA Trades: Would the Lakers agree to the deal?
In the proposed deal, the Lakers would trade Russell, Hachimura, and a top-3 protected first-round pick for Grant as well as a top-55 protected second to the Magic. Grant is a highly sought-after player considering that he has averaged at least 20 points per game the last two seasons and shot above 40% from three last season. Factor in that he is considered to be a good defender and teams such as the Lakers could use what he brings to the table.
He'd give them a third scoring option, someone who can score efficiently, and give them a knockdown shooter after ranking 28th in 3-point attempts last season. That flaw resulted in the Lakers ranking 15th in offensive rating, surprisingly low for a team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Grant should help to resolve those issues and give them a big forward who can also guard, which should help their 16th-ranked defensive rating. Adding a player who can move the needle on both ends of the floor for Russell, who the Lakers appear to be shopping anyway, Hachimura, and a top-3 protected 2029 first seems like fair value for Los Angeles. Based on that, the Lakers should be willing to do the deal with the Blazers and Magic since it would make their team better.