Report: Lakers didn’t promise a starting spot to Klay Thompson or Gary Trent Jr.

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason looking to upgrade their roster. While they failed to make any major moves, they were linked to multiple players during free agency. The Lakers reportedly showed interest in both Klay Thompson and Gary Trent Jr.

They were unwilling, however, to promise either player a starting role, according to Anthony Irwin of Lakers Daily, who tweeted:

Sources: Gary Trent Jr. signed in Milwaukee in large part because they promised a starting gig. Lakers didn't want to promise a starting gig to Klay Thompson and didn't offer it to GTJ. More here in The Lounge: https://t.co/aimPbYHOPF

— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) July 17, 2024

Los Angeles reportedly offered Thompson a four-year, $80 million contract. Instead, he joined the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million pact. Meanwhile, Trent Jr. joined the Milwaukee Bucks on a veteran minimum contract. The Lakers are running out of options as they look to upgrade last year’s roster in free agency.

Blazers requesting two first-round picks from Lakers for Jerami Grant

Apr 1, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) warms up before the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers have also explored the trade market as they look to upgrade their roster. One name that has come up often is Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant. The team has requested two first-round picks for the 2020 Olympic gold medalist. Anthony Irwin of Lakers Daily reported:

Portland, according to those close to the situation, is demanding two first-round picks for Grant. League sources cite his contract and potential reluctance to take on a lesser role on a winning team as concerns for why the Lakers and other teams haven’t wanted to meet that price. [h/t Lakers Daily]

Grant averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks per game in 2023-24. The tenth-year forward shot 45.1% from the field, 40.2% from three-point range and 81.7% from the free-throw line.

Irwin noted that the Lakers have also had talks centered around Brooklyn Nets forwards Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith, Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma and Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown. Los Angeles is looking to upgrade a roster that failed to make it past the first round of last year’s postseason.

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