The free agency rumors are heating up as the market is set to open on Aug. 2.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to several big-time free agents and players in sign-and-trades despite the financial restrictions the team is facing.
Still, high-caliber players are a commodity for L.A., especially given the current championship window with LeBron James and Anthony Davis that must be optimized.
One of the players reportedly interested in joining the Lakers this summer is San Antonio Spurs free agent forward DeMar DeRozan.
DeRozan, 32, will be an unrestricted free agent when the market opens, and if L.A. hopes to secure his signature, the most they can offer is the full $9.5 million taxpayer MLE, unless a sign-and-trade with San Antonio is completed; DeRozan made over $27 million last season and is still worthy of a sizeable payday.
But on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, DeRozan explained why he’d be a good fit in L.A.:
.@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
There’s no denying DeRozan’s talent; he’s made four All-Star appearances and has been an All-NBA team member twice.
The main concern, though, is his floor-spacing ability. Shooting 3-pointers has always been a weakness in DeRozan’s game, as he’s a career 28.1 percent 3-point shooter on low volume.
Los Angeles’ biggest need is surrounding James and Davis with more perimeter shooting, but acquiring DeRozan would force head coach Frank Vogel to devise a new offensive scheme.
If Davis plays center with James at power forward, the Lakers can spread the floor with DeRozan assuming the other two players on the court can knock down shots at a respectable clip.
DeRozan is a mid-range savant and can attack the basket with a wide array of moves and strength he’s gained since his rookie season. He’s also averaged over 20 points per game for eight straight seasons but as a high-usage player.
If he can remain effective and efficient without the ball always in his grasp, then there could be some potential by adding him to the roster. He also averaged a career-high 6.9 assists this past season, so playmaking for teammates is evident.
The Lakers are also among the top suitors for Kyle Lowry, who was DeRozan’s teammate when DeRozan played for the Toronto Raptors, so it seems L.A. will have options on who to acquire.
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