Why the Los Angeles Lakers definitely aren’t signing DeMar DeRozan

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 26: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball against Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on April 26, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 26: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball against Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on April 26, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers made their big move of the offseason in trading for Russell Westbrook and now it is up to Rob Pelinka to make sure that he builds a deep enough team around the big three of Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Five free agents, in particular, stand out as potential targets for the Lakers. Not included on our original list was DeMar DeRozan, who was originally connected to the team in a potential sign-and-trade before the Westbrook trade happened.

The Westbrook trade has not stopped the speculation. The DeRozan train continues to power along, with some even reporting that DeRozan is willing to take a pay cut to play at home in LA.

While it is fun to speculate and would give the team four stars, it ultimately is all noise in the grand scheme of things.

The Los Angeles Lakers are definitely not signing DeMar DeRozan.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news and rain on anyone’s parade, especially those that are excited about the idea of DeMar DeRozan being a Laker. It simply does not make sense not only for DeRozan but for the Los Angeles Lakers as well.

There is one main reason why it does not make sense for DeRozan and one main reason why it does not make sense for the Lakers. Let’s break down both reasons, starting with DeRozan’s side of things.