The Los Angeles Lakers are in need of star talent to compete in the stacked Western Conference, along with retaining superstar LeBron James on less than a maximum contract.
With numerous names going off the board since free agency started on Sunday, Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan is one of the most intriguing stars left. He is an unrestricted free agent, but rumors propose a potential one-year deal with the Bulls before exploring other destinations next summer. Alternatively, Bulls insider K.C. Johnson reports the Lakers' interest in DeRozan is no rumor.
“The Lakers’ interest is genuine, and the Bulls are open to sign-and-trade possibilities, sources confirmed. But any sign-and-trade would have be for at least three years and at less annual salary than what DeRozan wants," Johnson wrote. "Thus, a potential scenario is DeRozan playing next season---possibly with the Lakers---on the $12.8 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception and then re-entering unrestricted free agency next offseason."
A sign-and-trade would undoubtedly include guard D'Angelo Russell, whom the Lakers are rumored to be exploring trade destinations for. While DeRozan does not instantly turn Los Angeles into a title favorite, it vaults them among the strongest rosters in the West. The Big Three of Anthony Davis, James, and DeRozan, paired with their solid depth and first-year coach JJ Redick, would have the opportunity to make serious noise, especially when the lights shine brightest.
