Lakers rumors: Pros and cons of Lakers potentially trading for Jerami Grant

Con: Opportunity Cost

It's easy to see why the Los Angeles Lakers have interest in acquiring Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers. On paper, he's a perfect fit as a 3-and-D wing who can create for himself and fit alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James as a third option.

The unfortunate reality of a trade for Grant, however, is that his lucrative contract and injury concerns would only come into play after the Lakers effectively bet their future on him.

According to Trail Blazers insider Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report, Portland is asking for two first-round draft picks in exchange for Grant. Jovan Buha of The Athletic recently corroborated the asking price.

With this in mind, the Lakers circle back around to giving up two future first-round draft picks for a 30-year-old player with extensive injury concerns and four expensive seasons remaining on his contract.

It's also worth questioning if, for as good as Grant is, he actually gets the Lakers firmly into the realm of the contenders. Assuming everyone stays healthy, he'd certainly be a structural fit, but how much closer would Los Angeles be to the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, or Oklahoma City Thunder after the addition of Grant alone?

Based on the cost of doing business, the injury history, and the length and lucrative nature of Grant's current contract, the cons seem to outweigh the pros on a potential Lakers trade.