The Los Angeles Lakers are still in hot pursuit of Portland Trail Blazers star Jerami Grant, who LA believes could be the missing piece to their puzzle. Despite their efforts, though, it appears that they are now stuck in a stalemate with the Blazers as both sides fail to find common ground on a potential blockbuster trade.
As it turns out, Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell has emerged as a major stumbling block in this deal.
Los Angeles Lakers News: Blazers DO NOT Want D’Angelo Russell
It’s no secret that the Lakers do not have many trade assets available in their arsenal. One could argue that their biggest asset is former All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell — or at least the only major piece LA is willing to part ways with.
The Blazers, however, do not seem to have any interest in acquiring the 6-foot-3 point guard. This report comes via Lakers insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
“I’ve heard Portland doesn’t want D-Lo because they have a million guards anyway,” Buha said (h/t Peter Dewey of Lakers Daily). “So, it just doesn’t really make sense for them.”
This is not the first time reports have emerged about opposing teams not wanting Russell and the $18.7 million he is owed this coming season. In fact, it would not be a surprise if the Lakers’ insistence on including Russell in potential trade deals is the main reason why they haven’t gotten anything done in the offseason thus far.
At this point, it appears that the Lakers might need to veer away from a Russell-centered trade package if they want to bring Grant to Hollywood.
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