Through the riveting action at the Paris Olympics, Team USA has stood by its promise of domination. LeBron James, at 39, has led the forces through thick and thin, ensuring no respect is lost in the process. However, the more the King prevails at the international competition, the more the urgency grows for the Los Angeles Lakers to make something happen. All this while, they had been waiting for the right moment.
Their prime target in these latest weeks has been Trail Blazers’ Jerami Grant. In hopes of strengthening their defensive woes and outside prowess, the 30-year-old sits as the ideal fit in the Purple and Gold system. Sadly, a major hiccup might interrupt or even possibly prevent the Lakers from making their chosen trade come true. One of the popular components, Rui Hachimura, has suffered a calf injury, hindering an exchange involving his tempting contract.
According to Basket News, Hachimura suffered his ailment during Japan’s nail-biting loss against hosts France. The energized forward reported discomfort in his calf, which on diagnosis was revealed to be an Olympic-ending injury. Hachimura was obviously bitter about having to leave his nation for recovery. Rob Pelinka might be feeling irate due to the complications his injury could pose to the Lakers’ offseason plans.
With Grant’s near $30 million salary, the Purple and Gold have to deal either D’Angelo Russell or Hachimura’s contract to inch close to the figure. In the past, the Trail Blazers have expressed their reluctance to accept Russell as part of the trade. Hence, it all hinged on Hachimura, until now.
A return timeline for his injury is still unknown, however, it is most likely going to derail processions for any Jerami Grant trade to take place. Logically, it seems like a golden opportunity might have slipped away from their grasp. But would a Hachimura-Grant swap truly benefit the Lakers?
The Lakers might prefer keeping Rui Hachimura over Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant has proved to be a solid and stable scoring option for the Trail Blazers. In an injury-riddled season, he averaged 21 points and displayed impeccable mastery of spacing the floor. His 40.2% three-point shooting is a clip the Lakers will readily be willing to invest in. But Hachimura has done the same, if not better considering his time on the ball and the team setting.
As a defender, the 27-year-old showcases quick feet and a hunger to get a stop. His drive to do so has allowed him to rack up 5.3 defensive win shares for the Lakers this season. Additionally, he also had a career year averaging 13.6 points while shooting 42% from beyond the arc. His two-way presence came in handy for the Purple and Gold in consolidating their opponents’ offensive firepower with his tenacity and youth on the floor.
Not only is he younger, but his upside has incredible potential. Hachimura has also taken shed under LeBron James’ mentorship, meaning in the coming seasons he could improve on his inside finishing, given his nuclear athleticism and muscular frame. For those reasons, the Lakers might reconsider their offering.
Grant might give instant relief, but in the long run, his contract expands, and with age, he might lose his grit. Hachimura on the other hand, is yearning to stake his claim and evolve as a Laker. What would you do if you were Rob Pelinka? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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