The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated in the first round by the Phoenix Suns, who were eventually one of the teams that played in the NBA Finals. While the Los Angeles Lakers did face injury woes this season, it was clear during the playoffs that the supporting cast around Anthony Davis and LeBron James needs to go through some changes. The Lakers lacked consistent shot creation outside of their two stars, and it is clear that the team could use some scoring.
Many stars in the NBA would relish the opportunity to contend while playing for their hometown team. DeMar DeRozan grew up near Los Angeles, and he has recently commented on the prospect of potentially playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. It seems as though DeRozan would enjoy playing for the team he grew up watching and believes that he would be able to figure out his fit with Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
.@DeMar_DeRozan on playing for the Lakers:
“You’d love to have the opportunity to play at home, especially if they want you, why not? I think it would work [between me, LeBron & AD]. We’re smart basketball players and it’s all about coming together.” pic.twitter.com/FD8VIX4Jha
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) July 26, 2021
Shannon Sharpe: You are an unrestricted free agent. You say the Lakers, Kobe was your guy, the Lakers I’m assuming was your team. What would it be like for you, being a local kid to don the purple and gold?
DeMar DeRozan: You can’t ask no kid, if they wanna play home, they say no. At some point you’d definitely want to have that opportunity, and especially if they want you, why not? why not.
Shannon Sharpe: How difficult would it be to play, for the sake of argument, if you were to go with the Lakers. You’re with obviously LeBron and AD. Do you feel that would be difficult for you? Because a lot of people are like “Well, I’m not gonna get the same number of shots that I would normally get had I been in Toronto where it’s just me and Kyle. Or in San Antonio and it’s basically just kinda me and LaMarcus.”
DeMar DeRozan: Nah. You take Brooklyn as an example. Three of the greatest scorers this league has ever seen. They balanced it out at well… Those three guys, they figured it out, they worked it out and they had a great rhythm when they played together. It’s definitely possible to work, and it’s all about just coming together. We all great basketball players.
It is clear that based on his statements that DeMar DeRozan would be willing to potentially come to Los Angeles and team up with Anthony Davis and LeBron James. He could be a great third option, and his playmaking has improved during his time with the San Antonio Spurs, so he could potentially run the offense during times LeBron James sits. It remains to be seen whether the Los Angeles Lakers end up getting DeMar DeRozan, but it seems as though he wouldn’t mind getting a call from his hometown team.
