5 massive what-ifs that hang heavy over this ugly Lakers season
By Jason Reed
2. What if the Los Angeles Lakers traded for DeMar DeRozan?
DeMar DeRozan was tied to the Los Angeles Lakers several times over the years as it appeared that the guard from Compton would come home and play for his hometown Lakers at some point. This offseason was the perfect time to make it happen and the Lakers didn’t.
This is not even a theoretical “what-if” either (none of these are). The Lakers could have acquired DeRozan and quite easily at that but instead opted for Westbrook and his horrid contract.
DeRozan himself said that he thought it was a ‘done deal’ that he was going to the Lakers last summer. It seemed like the biggest hang-up was the Lakers wanting DeRozan to take a big pay cut (he ended up signing a three-year, $81.9 million deal), which is hilarious in hindsight considering they are paying Westbrook more in two seasons than they would have DeRozan in three.
DeRozan is making $26 million this season. The Lakers could have acquired him for the same package of Kuzma and Harrell and the money would have worked. Throw in the 22nd pick from 2021 if needed. It would have been way better than what the Bulls sent and in a sign-and-trade, DeRozan would have had the leverage to force his way to LA.
DeRozan is having a fantastic season and while I personally did not think he would be a fit at the time, he without a doubt would have led to a much better season than with Westbrook.