Top 3 Lakers' trade options post D'Angelo Russell rebuff for Jerami Grant
The LA Lakers recently failed in their attempt to trade D’Angelo Russell for Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers. This continues to be an uneventful offseason for the Lakers, who have not secured any new free agents or significant trade targets.
During this free agency period, the Lakers have made only minor roster changes. They re-signed LeBron James, drafted his son Bronny, extended Max Christie and added sharpshooter Dalton Knecht.
However, they missed out on key free agents like Klay Thompson, Chris Paul and Jonas Valanciunas. According to Lakers beat reporter Jovan Buha, the offer to Portland for Grant was centered around Russell, which was not enticing for the Blazers as they already have guards like Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe.
“I’ve heard Portland doesn’t want D-Lo because they have a million guards anyway,” Buha said. “So, it just doesn’t really make sense for them.”
The most significant changes this offseason for the Lakers have been in their coaching staff, with new head coach JJ Redick and assistants Nate McMillan, Scott Brook and Lindsey Harding, who was last season's Coach of the Year with the Stockton Kings of the NBA G League.
Pivoting away from the Grant sweepstakes, here are three players the Lakers could target to bolster their roster.
3 realistic trade targets for the LA Lakers
#1. Clint Capela
LeBron James mentioned that the Lakers failed in their pursuit of Jonas Valanciunas. JJ Redick also emphasized the need for a bruising big man. Clint Capela fits this need well.
Last season, Capela averaged 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds in 73 games. The 30-year-old could help with rim protection and provide a lob threat, potentially unlocking Anthony Davis's game.
#2. Dorian Finney-Smith
Dorian Finney-Smith is an underrated player in the league. A career 35.5% 3-point shooter, he averaged 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists last season. While the Lakers already have several wings, if they fail to acquire a big man, adding Finney-Smith would help meet their needs for size and shooting.
#3. Kenrich Williams
Kenrich Williams from the OKC Thunder is another underrated and potentially affordable target. Known to Lakers fans as the player LeBron James scored against to become the top scorer in NBA history, the 6-foot-6 forward is a hustle player who shoots and rebounds well.
Williams shot 39.7% from deep last season in a career-low 14.9 minutes per game. He has provided veteran leadership to the young Thunder but might seek more playing time, which a trade to the Lakers could offer. However, his free-throw shooting is a concern, as he only shot 50% from the line last season.