"Do not see it happening": Lakers insider shuts down possibility of DeMar DeRozan playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis
A Lakers insider sounded off on the possibility of LA adding DeMar DeRozan in free agency as a third star alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, noting concerns about his fit and his ability to address the Lakers’ needs from the wing position.
In a mailbag episode of the “Buha's Block” podcast, Lakers insider Jovan Buha was asked about the potential of DeMar DeRozan joining LA. He said it would be unlikely unless the Chicago Bulls star actively pursued it.
Buha also highlighted the limitation of the Lakers being able to offer only the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
"There's always a chance, but I do not see it happening unless DeMar is making it a priority to get back home, get to LA, and play for his favorite team growing up," Buha said.
(Buha discusses DeMar DeRozan from the 23:55 mark onwards)
He pointed out that the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, starting at about 12.9 million dollars, is lower than what DeRozan could earn in the open market.
DeRozan, a six-time NBA All-Star, is a free agent after a solid season with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Despite nearing 35, he remains one of the top shooting guards in the NBA.
Jovan Buha says DeMar DeRozan would not solve Lakers’ perimeter woes
Buha said that while adding DeMar DeRozan would provide the Lakers with a much-needed third option from the wing and a proven closer, his perimeter struggles on both offense and defense make him a poor fit.
DeMar DeRozan shot 33.3% from beyond the arc in the 2023-24 season.
"My bigger concerns are that he's not a good 3-point shooter, and he's not a good perimeter defender," Buha said. "I think if you're going to be playing on the wing for the Lakers, you need to be at least one of those two, if not both."
"I think in terms of what the Lakers need, if they are adding a third star type, ideally, that player is a plus shooter who can play off the ball more and/or [who is] a better defender. DeRozan doesn't really check either box."
While DeRozan is a free agent, it’s expected that the Bulls would retain him for a hefty amount, likely around three years and $90 million. He is coming off a three-year, $81.9 million contract with the Bulls after completing a five-year, $139 million contract with the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs.