The Los Angeles Lakers have missed three key free agents this offseason. Unfortunately, for them, all these players were the prospects for whom LeBron James was willing to take a pay cut. Klay Thompson signed a three-year deal with the Mavericks. James Harden is returning to the Clippers. And Jonas Valanciunas decided to join the Wizards. These free agents signed with their next franchise in less than three days. However, there is one more prospect that the Lakers eyed. DeMar DeRozan is also active in the free agency, as the Lakers can target the six-time All-Star. But they’re not alone in doing so.
DeRozan spent his last three seasons with the Bulls. Mostly, he had a great time in Chicago, but couldn’t gel so well alongside Zach LaVine. While the Lakers would want to add him to the roster, his interests are far from LA. The Miami Heat intends to introduce DeRozan as well. While both sides have mutual interest, as per the Miami Herald, this may be the Lakers’ 4th blow in just the starting weeks of the offseason. Not only that, but they will not have made any changes to the roster if they don’t bring in a reliable support player.
But Lakers fans can take a back seat for now, as the Heat will have to pull some strings to bring in DeRozan. If the Miami side wants to pick him, it would be with a minimum contract as the franchise is just below the second apron.
Regardless, the Lakers also have some restrictions on their end to make this work. Chicago would be willing to do a sign-and-trade but with most of the teams facing restrictions. DeRozan can look to pick a one-year deal and explore his free agency next season while the market resets.
The one-year deal wouldn’t be to his liking. However, it is only for the best. He can opt to spend a year in Miami, the franchise that is known for stepping up in the postseason. Playing alongside Butler and company, DeRozan will be looking at an overall great season.
USA Today via Reuters
As for joining the Lakers, again, it would be tough for the franchise to come up with a solution. However, what plays out if they fail to sign their fourth prospect?
What if the Lakers miss out on DeMar DeRozan too?
Well, it wouldn’t affect them as much apart from the franchise not living up to James’ reported generosity. If the Lakers fail to sign a valuable free agent this summer, it could lead to LeBron signing a three-year $163 million contract. Would it be worth it?
When it comes to keeping King James for the next three years, yes, it would be worth it. But at the end of the day, the franchise can only hope to make it past the first round and their Championship dream might stagnate.
The Lakers need shooters!
Reaves and D-Lo are their only outside scorers who aren’t as consistent when the going gets tough. Klay Thompson was the way to go, but since he’s not an option anymore, the Lakers are left with DeRozan. It would be tough to come up with a deal for him, even if he rejects the $5.2 million taxpayer midlevel exception from the Miami Heat. It’s estimated that the clutch player, who averages 49.6 from the field, 33.6 from deep, and 86.7 in FTs in Chicago, won’t be settling for minimum pay.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how JJ Redick’s side also responds to James’ willingness to take a pay cut and pursue the situation.
What are your thoughts on DeRozan? Do you think he will be a good fit alongside James and Co.? Let us know in the comments.
Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker, Leonard Armato, had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this exclusive video by EssentiallySports.
