After a first-round exit this postseason, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will look to strengthen their roster this offseason in an effort to make another title run.
San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan is one player that the Lakers are interested in, according to Evan Massey of nbaanalysis.net. Given cap restraints, the Lakers would have to work out a sign-and-trade to make it work.
The Spurs have an exclusive window to negotiate a new contract extension with DeRozan if they wish to retain him. They can sign him for up to four seasons and $149.1 million. He would make about $33.3 million in 2021-22 if the Spurs choose to go that route. If they can’t negotiate a deal by Aug. 1, then DeRozan will be an unrestricted free agent.
DeRozan was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the Spurs in July of 2018 in the blockbuster that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors, whom Leonard led to their first championship before bolting for the Clippers in free agency.
The 31-year-old DeRozan averaged 21.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and a career-high 6.9 assists for the Spurs last season. Nevertheless, he shot an abysmal 25.7% from 3-point range — an area of need for the Lakers. Los Angeles ranked 23rd in the NBA in 3-point percentage this season with 34.9%. They also ranked 25th in 3-pointers made with 796 made.
Despite his lack of 3-point shooting, DeRozan brings a ton of upside to the Lakers. He would bring more playmaking and scoring to a team that struggled to score when James and Anthony Davis were hurt. Without the star duo, the Lakers went 8-10 while scoring just 106.6 points per game as opposed to 109.5 with them.