The Portland Trail Blazers have been the most active team in the NBA this summer and their work isn’t done yet. While trading Damian Lillard was their top priority, which they have accomplished, there are still many uncertainties facing the team.
This approach has largely been intentional. The Blazers anticipated moving Malcolm Brogdon when they acquired him, and they appear willing to experiment with Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III.
However, Williams III could also be on the move later in the season. Portland understands that roster construction is an ongoing process.
They now face an unexpected scenario with Jerami Grant, whom they extended with the expectation of pairing him with Lillard. Even though Lillard is gone, Grant remains, and he cannot be traded until later due to his recent extension. There’s speculation whether he might be sent to the Los Angeles Lakers once trade eligibility allows.
In contrast, the Lakers have been relatively quiet. While they made some moves by extending players like Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, and Jarred Vanderbilt, and adding new faces such as Anthony Vincent, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, and Taurean Prince, they have not made a big splash.
Notably, most of the Lakers’ acquisitions have been younger players, which is unconventional for a team expected to contend. This raises questions about their future plans. Could they be preparing for a post-LeBron James era?
