Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images
The Lakers are reportedly trying to get DeMar DeRozan.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have to turn around and defend their championship ring in record time given the pandemic-shortened season. Even with such a major obstacle in their way, Rob Pelinka is once again trying to find stars that might be available via trade at a discounted price. With Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs building towards the future for the first time in what feels like forever, DeMar DeRozan might be on the move.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer is reporting that the Lakers are interested in trading for DeRozan, who has one year left on his contract. In return, San Antonio would get the promising, yet inconsistent Kyle Kuzma in return in addition to sharpshooter Danny Green.
DeMar DeRozan is coming off a solid season with the Spurs
DeRozan heading to Los Angeles would be a homecoming for him, as he is a Compton native that became a star at USC. After nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors, he was sent to San Antonio in the Kawhi Leonard trade. DeRozan has averaged 21.2 points per game in two seasons under Popovich, but the Spurs might jettison him as they look to rebuild.
The concerning facet of DeRozan’s game is the fact that he makes no bones about he has no interest in shooting from 3. DeRozan averaged less than one three-point attempt per game with the Spurs last year. On a team that will feature LeBron and Anthony Davis banging down low and looking for shooters to kick out to, DeRozan’s style might be an incongruous fit.
The Lakers will never stop searching for star power, and bringing DeRozan home means that their No. 3 scoring option will be one of the last true midrange slashers left in the league. If he learns to shoot from deep, this could be a steal of a trade.