The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked with several names during the 2021 NBA offseason. After a tumultuous 2020/21 season, the purple and gold are trying to get the right pieces to compete for the championship again.
After landing Russell Westbrook earlier this week, the 2020 NBA champions are ready to get more players ahead of a big campaign. Two names linked with the Lakers in recent days are DeMar DeRozan and Carmelo Anthony.
Even though most people think adding these two would be nearly impossible for the Lakers, both players are willing to make sacrifices to join the 17x NBA champions. According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, DeRozan and Anthony can take a lot less money to make their way to Staples Center.
With Westbrook now headed to Los Angeles, multiple league personnel contacted by B/R expect there to be significant interest from several veterans, including DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and Carmelo Anthony, to forgo higher salary opportunities elsewhere and join the Lakers in pursuit of a championship.
DeRozan has long been linked with a return home, and the Lakers can provide that opportunity. He made it clear he’d be ready to go to L.A. this offseason to win a championship.
As for Anthony, he’s been around for a while, becoming one of the best ringless players of all time. If he goes to Los Angeles to join his long-time friend LeBron James and co., Melo will have a big chance to put his hands on the Larry O’Brien trophy.
These two would be major additions to the Lakers. Of course, they should add shooters, and DeRozan doesn’t fit that description. However, Melo can shoot 3s off the bench and be helpful for his team.
If the Lakers pull this off, this team will get closer to the 18th NBA title.
