Next Big Deal Brewing? Rob Pelinka Eyes Portland’s $33M Wing in Lakers Trade Rumors
The Los Angeles Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has been making a flurry of moves this offseason as they strive to return to championship contention. Fresh off the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade and the acquisition of Deandre Ayton, attention is now turning toward filling the wing spot — and whispers are circulating that Pelinka has set his sights on a $33 million-per-year player from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland Wing in the Spotlight
The player in question appears to be Jerami Grant, the 30-year-old forward who has become a key target for contenders. Grant, averaging over 20 points per game during his two seasons in Portland with a solid 46/40/82 shooting split, is viewed as the kind of two-way talent the Lakers desperately need alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis (Reddit, givemesport.com).
Portland has openly made Grant available, along with the likes of Anfernee Simons and Robert Williams III, as the Blazers pivot toward rebuilding (Reddit). The Lakers, meanwhile, have reportedly put Grant on their radar and even engaged in exploratory talks .
The $33M Question
Grant is signed to a hefty contract — roughly $29.7 million in 2024–25, with escalating annual raises pushing his cap hit north of $33 million in future years (Reddit). This financial burden is a significant hurdle for the Lakers, who must also manage the massive salaries of LeBron ($51M), AD ($47M), Dončić ($49M next year), and Ayton ($17M) under the CBA’s luxury tax thresholds.
That contract — and associated roster constraints — likely played a role in Pelinka walking away from an initial deal that reportedly included two first-round picks in exchange for Grant last summer (Last Word On Sports). Portland’s asking price appeared excessive, both financially and in terms of asset cost.
⚖️ Balancing Desperation and Prudence
The Lakers find themselves at a crossroads. The team needs high-impact wings to complement their stars, but must balance that need against long-term roster flexibility and financial prudence. As reported by Last Word On Basketball, Pelinka has shown hesitancy to part with key future picks, especially when deals don’t guarantee a title (Last Word On Sports, Last Word On Sports).
LeBron and Davis have been vocal in demanding urgency and near-flawless roster construction — and failing to deliver another star could add strain to mounting pressure (Last Word On Sports). Internal and external voices suggest Pelinka is craftily working around the margins: not mortgaging the future, but potentially adding short-term, high-impact pieces. Grant, with two seasons left on his deal, fits that mold.
Trade Mechanics: What Lakers Could Offer
Portland is known to be shopping multiple veterans. Grant’s salary would need matching, and the Lakers could unload a combination such as Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, or Jarred Vanderbilt — all carrying contracts that could help match numbers (Last Word On Sports).
But salary isn’t the only obstacle. Reports indicate that Portland’s asking price includes draft picks — likely first-rounders from 2029 and 2031 — and possibly pick swaps (Last Word On Sports). The Lakers balked last time over the cost-benefit proposition; doing so again may delay any deal until the summer or draft season.
️ PUBG: Fan Pulse & Reddit Perspective
From the fan trenches, the sentiment mirrors cautious optimism. A top-voted Reddit thread noted:
“They’re open to moving any of their veterans—particularly Jerami Grant… (Reddit)
but also warned:
“Lakers would have to cut more money… Grant makes ~34M. So you’re looking at Rui and one of Vincent or Vando… (Reddit)
Valid concerns. Lakers fans are debating whether giving up future picks and bench depth is worth a 30-year-old wing at this salary.
How It Could Fit
If the Lakers do land Grant, the benefits are clear:
- 3‑and‑D versatility: A reliable shooter and stopper who can guard multiple positions.
- Playoff uplift: Takes offensive pressure off LeBron, AD, and Dončić – giving them space to thrive.
- Creative lineups: Provides wing depth and spacing in lineups with two elite scorers.
But the trade also carries risks:
- Cap inflexibility: With so much tied up in big contracts, Lakers would be cornered in future trade leverage or free agent pursuit.
- Aging curve: At 30 and potentially slowing, is Grant a long-term answer or a short-term patch?
- Asset drain: First-round picks matter, even if in the not-so-near future.
Final Take
Rob Pelinka’s rumored pursuit of a $33 million wing like Jerami Grant is emblematic of his dual approach: wanting star-caliber upgrades, while wary of tipping the scales on future flexibility. The Lakers are at a pivotal moment — with some of the league’s biggest offensive talent, they’re shifting focus to complementary role players who can elevate a title run.
Grant remains the most tangible link between Lakers and Blazers, but the price — financially and in draft capital — will determine whether Pelinka pulls the trigger. One thing’s clear: Los Angeles isn’t waiting, and Portland’s veteran wing could be the front office’s next big move.
