Just two seasons from his arrival in San Antonio, 4x All-Star DeMar DeRozan is apparently wanting out and, if the Spurs consider trading him, he may be headed to the West coast.
In an article by Sam Quinn of CBS Sports, the DeRozan trade rumors are discussed, with the Lakers having been named as potential suitors for the 31-year-old forward.
DeRozan is a Los Angeles native that grew up idolizing Kobe Bryant. The Lakers need another ball-handler. A package built around the expiring salaries of Danny Green, JaVale McGee, and Avery Bradley is feasible.
As a career 20-point per game scorer, DeMar is an exceptional ball-handler and finisher around the rim. Unfortunately, his poor shooting on the perimeter and shortcomings on the defensive end have held him back for much of his career, and that would continue to be a concern for L.A.
The Lakers won their championship with defense, and shooting was a concern as well. DeRozan doesn’t help on that front either. The Lakers would have to be extremely confident in their shooting and defense with every other rotation spot to take a shot on DeRozan.
DeRozan spent 9 seasons in Toronto until he was traded to the Spurs as part of the package to acquire Kawhi Leonard in 2018. His two seasons there have been some of the most efficient in his career, reaching a new career-high in field goal percentage this past season at 53%. He also raised his assists and rebounds per game from an average of 4.1 and 3.1 during his first nine seasons to 5.9 and 5.8 in his two campaigns under Gregg Popovich.
With a player-option for the 2020-21 season, DeRozan will have the choice to either re-sign in San Antonio or opt-out and seek a new deal with a different team. If he opts-in, he can make over $27 million next season.
