- Report: Lakers no longer trying to preserve cap space for 2023 free agency
- Report: Lakers believe they’re 1 move away from being legitimate title contenders
- Report: Lakers have had exploratory trade talks involving Russell Westbrook with Jazz
- Report: Teams still want 1st-round pick to take on Russell Westbrook’s contract
- Anthony Davis implies Lakers want to finish 6th seed or higher: ‘We don’t wanna be in the play-in tournament’
- Patrick Beverley goes after Tyrese Haliburton after Lakers beat Pacers
- Shannon Sharpe announces he will be in attendance for Lakers-Thunder game
- Draymond Green explains why LeBron James is the greatest face of the NBA ever
- Austin Reaves only sees 2 similarities between him and Alex Caruso: ‘We’re guys that played on the Lakers, and we’re white’
- Report: Lakers have been in contact with Hornets as they continue to try to move Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley
Report: DeMar DeRozan expected to still show ‘significant interest’ in joining Lakers
- Updated: July 31, 2021
According to a recent report, DeMar DeRozan might be willing to take a pay cut in order to join the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason.
“With [Russell] Westbrook now headed to Los Angeles, multiple league personnel contacted by B/R expect there to be significant interest from several veterans, including DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and Carmelo Anthony, to forgo higher salary opportunities elsewhere and join the Lakers in pursuit of a championship,” wrote Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
With the recent addition of Westbrook, the Lakers are considered by many to be the favorites to win the title in the 2021-22 season.
There will certainly be some stiff competition, as the Brooklyn Nets’ Big 3 will challenge any team in the NBA, but the Lakers have to feel good about their chances against anyone.
DeRozan is at a stage in his career where winning a title might be his top priority. At 31 years old, he is still chasing his first ring, and joining the Lakers would be a wise decision in trying to fulfill that goal.
DeRozan is a four-time All-Star. For his career, he averages 20.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game as a 46.0 percent shooter from the field and a 28.1 percent shooter from deep. He is a solid all-around player who brings a lot to the table.
The Lakers are going to have to get creative financially when it comes to adding players, but if DeRozan is willing to take a discount to make a deal work, then he could end up in L.A. for the upcoming season.