Los Angeles native DeMar DeRozan has been linked with the Lakers multiple times in recent seasons, but a move hasn’t been executed despite the rumors. The Chicago Bulls forward and Clutch Player of the Year Finalist has candidly revealed that he’s open to finally joining the Lakers this summer.
“When I was a kid, everybody knows I’m a Kobe guy at the end of the day. Always been a Kobe guy, been a Lakers fan since Day 1. You can never say no about playing at home, especially for playing for a historic team like the Lakers. So time will tell, we’ll see where the cards fall. Until then, I’ll see what happens. I always want to be where I’m wanted. I know what I’ma do from there so we’ll see how it plays out.”
Would @DeMar_DeRozan ever consider playing for the #Lakers?
"You can't never say no about playing home…Time will tell, we'll see where the cards fall." pic.twitter.com/IXnamokK64
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 15, 2024
DeRozan averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this season as the Bulls were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament. DeRozan has led the Bulls to one playoff appearance In three years. Injuries have hampered the overall roster as they have failed to bring NBA success back to the franchise that won six titles in the 1990s.
DeMar proved he can still be an elite offensive option in the NBA, with his mid-range game evolving to the point where he’s become nearly automatic when he shoots. Unfortunately, we aren’t sure if that’s what the Lakers need in free agency. They need to sign more consistent 3-point shooters before anything, so DeRozan might not be the best fit.
As the last few seasons have shown, there’s an inherent ceiling your team hits if DeRozan is the primary option for your team. He would be a third or fourth option on the Lakers, as the team would prioritize both LeBron James and Anthony Davis ahead of DeRozan.
A guard would likely receive a bulk of time with the ball in their hand, so DeRozan will need to adjust in a role similar to Austin Reaves. If D’Angelo Russell does leave the team this summer, focusing on signing a 35-year-old DeRozan would be a massive mistake.
The Lakers need to put all their resources behind finding an elite starting guard who can make up for the subpar production from Russell and Reaves in the playoffs.
DeMar DeRozan Would Love To Return To Chicago
Even with his interest in repping the purple and gold of the Lakers, DeRozan isn’t ruling out a return to the Bulls as a free agent.
“It’s somewhere I want to return to… I am one of those guys that wants to stick it through and make something out of nothing. The city is great, I love the city, the organization been great—it’s definitely a place I would love to return to, and take care of unfinished business.”
.@DeMar_DeRozan wants to stay in Chicago 🙌
"The city is great, I love the city, the organization been great—it's definitely a place I would love to return to, and take care of unfinished business." 👏 #Bulls pic.twitter.com/OCT6fMJlMV
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 15, 2024
DeRozan has averaged 25.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists over three seasons with the Bulls. The team hasn’t been a playoff contender with him on the roster, so it’s hard to imagine how they’d look at an aging DeRozan now and trust him to lead the team to wins.
Coby White’s emergence likely leads to the guard becoming the franchise focal point, with DeRozan having the opportunity to walk and Zach LaVine being on the trade block. The team needs new energy, so it’s best if they let DeRozan walk and put together new building blocks for a winning franchise.
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