Six-time All-Star open to joining Lakers for L.A. homecoming

The Lakers will have a long list of free agents to consider as they attempt to rebound from an early playoff exit. One name to potentially look out for is DeMar DeRozan, especially after his comments on an episode of “Run It Back.”

Lakers Rumors: Six-time All-Star open to coming home?

DeRozan’s Comments

While on the show, DeRozan was asked by ex-NBA vet Chandler Parsons if he would entertain the possibility of playing for the Lakers, to which he responded:

“Everybody knows I’m a Kobe guy at the end of the day…been a Laker fan since day one. You can’t never say no about playing home, especially for playing for a storied team like the Lakers. 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’m [gonna] do from there, so we’ll see how it plays out.”

The six-time All-Star is an L.A. native who shined at Compton High School as one of the top recruits in 2008. He then committed to USC and excelled as a one-and-done player, eventually going ninth overall to the Toronto Raptors in 2009.

DeRozan has since enjoyed a stellar 14-year career between the Raptors, Spurs and Bulls, earning those All-Star selections and three All-NBA nods along the way. In 79 games for the Bulls this season, he averaged 24 points (48 percent FG, 33 percent 3PT, 85 percent FT), 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.

DeRozan and the Lakers

The Lakers have had a history with the free-agent small forward in recent years. They last attempted to pursue him in 2021 through a sign-and-trade with the Spurs. That deal eventually fell apart once Russell Westbrook became available from the Wizards, and both camps went their separate ways — the Lakers got Westbrook and DeRozan went to Chicago.

Still, it makes sense why there could still be interest in a DeRozan-Lakers reunion. The Bulls are coming off of a ninth-place finish in the east, falling to the Miami Heat in the Play-in Tournament. Chicago hasn’t made the playoffs since 2022 — DeRozan’s first season there. Even though he played very well this season, the veteran isn’t getting any younger. There is still hope that the Bulls retain DeRozan, but he appears to be keeping his options open.

Pros and Cons of DeRozan Becoming a Laker

At first glance, DeRozan donning the purple and gold seems promising. His scoring and playmaking on the wing would fill holes the Lakers have had for a while. Balancing those skills next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis could work out nicely, with DeMar’s ability to create opportunities for himself and others and willingness to take over when needed. Finally, DeRozan had ice in his veins this season, finishing second in Clutch Player of the Year voting. He played in 40 close games for the Bulls — helping win 24 of them — and averaged 4.6 points per game (48 percent FG, 36 percent 3PT) when it mattered the most.

However, the glaring issues with DeRozan are his contract and lack of floor spacing. He made $28.6 million this season and was reportedly offered $40 million per year to stay with the Bulls for two more years. The Lakers won’t be able to afford DeRozan at that rate or anything similar — unless they want to commit a ton of money to a big three and watch history repeat itself. DeRozan is also not a perimeter threat, meaning he would only clog up the paint and add to the Lakers’ struggles from beyond the arc.

Ultimately, while DeRozan may seem like a great free agent to consider, L.A. would be better off pursuing players who fit their timeline and playing style, be it through a major trade or free agency.