Veteran shooting guard DeMar DeRozan is a native of Southern California and has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers in the past (specifically in 2021). DeRozan was just waived by the Sacramento Kings, making him a free agent. Are the Lakers interested? The answer appears to be no.
According to ESPN's trustworthy Lakers source Dave McMenamin, "The Los Angeles Lakers are not considered to be a potential landing spot for veteran guard DeMar DeRozan after he was released by Sacramento [on] Monday, multiple league sources told ESPN."
The Lakers are not pursuing DeMar DeRozan in free agency
LA is smart to avoid DeRozan. Not only is his athleticism declining with DeRozan set to turn 37 years old in August, but his tendency to work in the midrange and hold the ball for long stretches of a possession clashes with Luka Doncic's playing style.
Luka thrives alongside 3-point shooters who can fire off the catch and spread the floor by doing so. DeRozan loves to take his time with the basketball and lull his defender to sleep before going to work. It's been an effective strategy for DeRozan during his entire career as a bucket-getter, but that doesn't mean it's the right fit with Doncic.
Moreover, the Lakers are looking to surround Luka with wings who can defend with their youth, length, and athleticism. DeRozan is no spring chicken by NBA standards, as aforementioned, and while he used to be a premium athlete on the wing, that's no longer the case. He's never been an enthusiastic defender, anyway.
A veteran mid-range scorer? Pretty much the exact opposite of what the Lakers are looking to place on this roster. DeRozan is the epitome of that label at this point in his career. McMenamin's reporting makes a ton of sense from a basketball standpoint.
There's no place for DeMar DeRozan on the Lakers
The Lakers are already crossing their fingers that Quentin Grimes can step into the defensive menace role that they believe he's capable of. But it's not a guarantee. In other words, the Lakers still have questions defensively on the wing that won't be solved until the season plays out. The last thing LA needs is another wing who absolutely detracts from the defensive side of things. Again, DeRozan is a poor fit.
While DeRozan's effortless scoring ability is a tantalizing skill, passing on DeMar is a positive step in the right direction for this Lakers group that is looking to get the Luka Doncic Era off on a winning foot.
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