#2: DeMar DeRozan
The next player that the Los Angeles Lakers should avoid trading for is DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan was the best that the San Antonio Spurs could get back when forced to trade a disgruntled Kawhi Leonard in 2018, however, since then his trade value has plummeted.
Along with this, the Spurs missed the playoffs for the first time in 22 straight seasons. It is clear that it is time for them to begin a rebuilding process. As a result, the Lakers would not have to give up much in return for DeRozan. A package of Danny Green, JaVale McGee, and Avery Bradley would realistically be enough to add DeRozan to the squad.
However, just like Westbrook, DeRozan has a hefty contract that spans multiple years. This would lock him in as the Lakers’ third highest-paid player and in turn, he would be expected to be the third star the team is desperately searching the market for.
DeRozan raises some of the same red flags that Westbrook did. He is not capable of shooting threes, however, unlike Westbrook, he is unwilling to shoot from beyond the arc.
This is even more detrimental to floor spacing as opposing defenders would not even have to worry about DeRozan shooting from three let alone being effective from range. Along with this, ineffective when playing off of the ball and a below-average defender.