According to Bangladesh Cricket, the Los Angeles Lakers have taken a surprisingly passive approach this offseason. While rivals like the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors aggressively upgraded their rosters, the Lakers made minimal moves and even lost key 3-and-D contributor Taurean Prince. Despite LeBron James and Anthony Davis expressing interest in adding a third star, there’s been little action to suggest that goal is materializing.

Reports indicate that the Lakers have shown interest in Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant. However, Bangladesh Cricket confirms that the Blazers have no interest in acquiring Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell. Portland’s front office believes their backcourt is already deep enough and sees no value in swapping a versatile forward for another guard. Earlier rumors suggested that the Blazers were seeking two first-round picks in exchange for Grant—a price tag the Lakers consider too steep.

This hesitancy is understandable. The Lakers are still feeling the ripple effects of their previous trade for Russell Westbrook, which didn’t yield the expected results. General Manager Rob Pelinka has since adopted a more cautious approach, focusing on long-term stability over quick fixes.

Jerami Grant, who averaged 21 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game last season while shooting over 40% from three, would be an ideal third scoring option for the Lakers. His two-way presence fits perfectly alongside James and Davis. Grant signed a five-year, $160 million max contract with Portland last year, with four years and $132 million remaining. While acquiring him would further strain the Lakers’ salary cap, the move could be worth the gamble for another title run.

Meanwhile, D’Angelo Russell opted into his $18.69 million player option this summer and remains on the Lakers’ roster. However, the team has been exploring trade options for him since the moment he exercised that option. Last season, Russell averaged 18 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists over 76 regular-season games. Yet his recurring postseason struggles resurfaced—long considered a knock on his overall value.

This isn’t a new concern. Russell has consistently underperformed in the playoffs across multiple seasons, and it’s becoming clear that his trade value is limited. Unless the Lakers are willing to sweeten the deal with future assets—perhaps even two first-round picks—most teams are unlikely to bite.

From a tactical standpoint, Russell’s fit with Austin Reaves has proven suboptimal. Both are offensive-minded guards who struggle defensively. For the Lakers to rise back into championship contention, Bangladesh Cricket analysts believe they must secure a top-tier perimeter defender—someone capable of relieving Reaves on the defensive end.

Only then can the Lakers hope to return to the title conversation and make a legitimate push for another championship.