As the Pistons delver further into their rebuild, 27-year-old Jerami Grant has been labeled as tradeable ahead of February’s deadline.
Originally, the Lakers were named as a potential landing spot after NBA Insider Marc Stein revealed the team had made an offer for the two-way wing.
“Reason being: That 2027 first is clearly the most valuable trade asset that the Lakers currently possess,” Stein wrote. “The Lakers have tried, with no luck yet, to package that pick with Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn in an attempt to acquire Jerami Grant from Detroit.”
Now, it seems both parties have moved on. According to a new report by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the Lakers are off the pursuit of Grant in light of some intel that he’d rather not play third fiddle to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
“I’ve actually heard Lakers have passed on Jerami Grant. He doesn’t want to play a tertiary role behind Bron/AD.”
“I’ve actually heard Lakers have passed on Jerami Grant. He doesn’t want to play a tertiary role behind Bron/AD.”
(Via @19MGroup | h/t @Ralph_MasonJr ) pic.twitter.com/OTjpeb9IX3
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 25, 2022
The Lakers have struggled to stay competitive this season. Troubled with a poorly built roster that can’t stay healthy, they are expected to be among the busiest teams come February.
Trading for Grant could actually help turn things around. Since being drafted in 2014, he has emerged as a versatile young player. In 33 minutes, he’s averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
But after leaving the Nuggets in 2020 to spread his wings and lead his own team, it is no surprise the Syracuse product wants to avoid living in the shadow of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Russell Westbrook is experiencing for himself what kind of adjustments have to be made when playing in those conditions.
So with Grant potentially out of the equation, who will the Lakers target next? Since there are plenty of big names rumored to be available, there is no doubt that Rob Pelinka will be exploring every option. Sadly, the Lakers still face some incredible odds.
