Lakers rumors: DeMar DeRozan vs. Buddy Hield, who is better for LA?

Verdict: DeMar DeRozan is the better fit for the Los Angeles Lakers

While Hield can create shots and is more of a scoring presence I still like what DeMar DeRozan brings to the table more than Hield. The Lakers don’t really need a guy who can score 18 points on a lot of shots. They need someone who can help creat next to LeBron James and get them 15 a night with solid defense.

Hield’s defense is a big problem and any advantages he has in scoring over DeRozan are just going to be neutralized with the difference on the defensive end. DeRozan is someone who the Lakers can keep out there in crunch time. I am not sure I can say the same about Hield, which is a problem.

Even though I wrote yesterday that DeRozan is more likely, all the reports that came out the last 24 hours have indicated that Hield might be the move. Harrell opting into his deal definitely makes it easier for the Lakers to make a move either way and all signs are pointing to Hield.

He is a former Rob Pelinka client and his salary is going to be less than DeRozan, even if it is close. The Lakers are playing a serious money game this offseason and even if DeRozan is only a few million more, it does create more problems.

Adding DeRozan would hard cap the Lakers at the tax apron because it is a sign-and-trade deal. Acquiring Hield would not create the same situation as he is still under contract. Getting Hield instead of DeRozan can allow the team to even overpay for Dennis Schroder (even if it is a bad idea) and potentially go over the tax apron with minimum deals and simply pay the fine.

DeRozan is the better fit. Hield is much more likely. It will be interesting to see how these Lakers rumors pan out.