6-Time All-Star Could Take Discount to Sign With Lakers: Analyst
Despite losing their attempt to get Dan Hurley as head coach, the Los Angeles Lakers are still planning to play in the 2024–25 season. The team’s roster has to be strengthened because it wasn’t good enough the previous season.
There have been rumors that the team would sign another max player, but it might be wiser to focus on finding an older great who is prepared to accept a trade-in. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley thinks DeMar DeRozan may be that player.
According to Buckley’s June 12 piece, “the Lakers are reportedly in the market for a third star, steady support scoring, and additional shot-creation.” As a six-time All-Star who is one of only 15 players to average at least 24 points and five assists in each of the previous two seasons, DeRozan “ticks all the boxes.” He wouldn’t solve their shooting deficit, but by positioning their current (or new) shooters for drive-and-kicks or deflecting defensive focus from them, he may assist improve their team.
“The Lakers might not have anything more to give DeRozan than the taxpayer’s mid-level exception, but perhaps that will be sufficient for him to pursue a championship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in his hometown.”
DeRozan has acknowledged that he once wanted to be a member of the Lakers. He was up as a fan of the team and is a native of Los Angeles. Going home to play for his beloved team at the age of 34 could be worth a lower pay.
Would DeMar DeRozan Still Want the Los Angeles Lakers?
DeRozan has repeatedly pursued a career with the Lakers, but the franchise has rejected him. He would probably still want to join the team, but he would not be as willing to accept a sizable discount. He averaged 24.0 points per game last season and is still performing at a high level.
He would be a far better third-string scorer for the squad than D’Angelo Russell. His poor 3-point shooting is his main area of concern. Over his career, he has only made 29.6% of his 3-point shots. Having three stars who are inconsistent 3-point shooters may be a problem, since LeBron James and Anthony Davis aren’t regarded for being very good shooters.
That said, if he’s willing to take less money, he could be worth it for the Lakers. The team wouldn’t need to give up assets to get him as he’ll be a free agent.
Could Los Angeles Lakers Be Heading Toward a Rebuild?
There wasn’t much hope for the Lakers after Hurley rejected them. James, the best player on the squad, will be 40 in December. Despite having a fantastic season, Davis’ history of injuries is still a worry.
This season, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and are now without a head coach. James has the option to leave his contract and become a free agent. Even while it seems like he’ll stay in Los Angeles, he can yet choose to abandon ship. In that case, the Lakers should think about rebuilding. Since their championship run in 2019–20, the squad has not gone this close to the NBA Finals.
There wasn’t much hope for the Lakers after Hurley rejected them. James, the best player on the squad, will be 40 in December. Despite having a fantastic season, Davis’ history of injuries is still a worry.
This season, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and are now without a head coach. James has the option to leave his contract and become a free agent. Even while it seems like he’ll stay in Los Angeles, he can yet choose to abandon ship. In that case, the Lakers should think about rebuilding. Since their championship run in 2019–20, the squad has not gone this close to the NBA Finals.
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