Report: Lakers' pursuit of Jerami Grant hits a roadblock

The Lakers are the reported front-runners to land Jerami Grant from the Blazers, but the franchise's pursuit of the two-way wing has seemingly hit a roadblock.

According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, the Blazers are unwilling to take on D'Angelo Russell's expiring contract worth $18.6 million in a deal that would send Grant to Los Angeles. Buha noted that the Blazers — who already have Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons and Dalano Banton on the roster — have no intention of adding another guard in Russell. 

"I've heard Portland doesn't want D-Lo because they have a million guards anyway. So, it doesn't really make sense for them," Buha said on his "Buha's Block" podcast.

From a financial standpoint, Russell's inclusion is critical for the Lakers to make the deal work, especially since they are reportedly against the idea of parting with Austin Reaves or prized rookie Dalton Knecht. Furthermore, the Lakers will also have to include Rui Hachimura — owed $17 million in the 2024-2025 season — to make the finances work, besides parting with some draft capital. 

Speaking of draft capital, The Rose Garden Report noted earlier this month that the Blazers' asking price for Grant is a minimum of two first-round draft picks. The Lakers — eligible to trade their 2029 and 2031 first-rounders — are unwilling to part with such a hefty package for Grant, per several insiders. 

Grant has four years left on the five-year, $160 million extension he signed with the Blazers last year. As such, the Lakers would acquire a quality player for the long haul, not just a stopgap arrangement. 

The 30-year-old Grant averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 40.2 percent from deep for the Blazers last season. 

Aside from long-range shooting, Grant has proven to be the prototypical three-and-D player capable of guarding multiple positions on the floor. He could solve a ton of the Lakers' defensive issues playing either the three or four spot next to Anthony Davis and LeBron James.