Jovan Buha, a Lakers insider, discussed DeMar DeRozan’s potential signing with the Lakers on his show “Buha’s Block.” Buha highlighted the financial and strategic challenges that make this signing unlikely.
“There is always a chance but I do not see it happening unless DeMar is making it a priority to get back home. Get to LA play for his favorite team growing up. The most the Lakers can pay him is the non-taxpayer mid-level exception which starts at about $12.9 million. He can get more than that on the open market, I suspect he will get more than that on the open market.”
The Lakers can only offer DeRozan the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which starts at around $12.9 million. Buha emphasized that DeRozan could secure a much higher salary on the open market, making it improbable for him to accept such a significant pay cut to join the Lakers.
Despite his strong desire to play for his hometown team and his admiration for the Lakers, the financial reality makes this move unlikely.
“So he would have to be willing to take a discount and even then, I don’t love the DeRozan fit, like yes it adds another scorer, another clutch shot maker, another guy who can attack defenses with over-the-top shot-making, which is very important.”
“I think there are elements of like, he would certainly help in crunch time in fourth quarters and give them a legit third 20-point-per-game scorer.”
“He scored at least 20 points in 11 consecutive seasons, so like DeMar DeRozan is a walking bucket. My bigger concerns are he’s not a good three-point shooter and he’s not a good perimeter defender and I think if you’re going to be playing on the wing for the Lakers you need to be at least one of those two if not both.”
Buha also pointed out that DeRozan’s fit with the Lakers is not ideal. While DeRozan is a prolific scorer, averaging 24 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game this season, his lack of three-point shooting and perimeter defense raises concerns.
The Lakers need players who can complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis by providing spacing and strong defensive capabilities. DeRozan’s career three-point shooting percentage is below 30%, and his defensive metrics do not align with the Lakers’ needs on the wing.
“Now look at 12.9 million you’re not really going to complain the Lakers probably do that and you have to give it a hard look but I think in terms of like what the Lakers need. I think if they are adding a third star type ideally that player again is a plus shooter who can play off the ball more and or a better defender.”
“So 12.9 million there are different expectations for sure and I think he would make the Lakers better I think he could fit.”
“I just think that the Lakers need a little bit more defense and shooting on the wings and that would be my one concern with that type of move and then there’s just the reality of the DeRozan having more of a market and likely getting more money elsewhere.” (24:03)
Furthermore, Buha mentioned that the Lakers have already experienced difficulties integrating players with similar skill sets, such as Russell Westbrook. The need for a third star who can play off the ball, space the floor, and defend effectively is crucial for the Lakers’ success. DeRozan’s strengths do not align with these requirements, making his addition less beneficial.
Buha explained that while the idea of DeRozan returning to Los Angeles is intriguing, the financial and strategic challenges make it a long shot. DeRozan’s desire for a more lucrative and stable contract, coupled with the Lakers‘ need for specific skill sets, makes this union unlikely. For now, it seems DeRozan’s homecoming will remain a dream.
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