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Lakers Rumors: Paul George, DeMar DeRozan top list of players drawing interest from Lakers

By Keith Rivas

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) embraces Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) after the Raptors 89-84 win in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) embraces Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) after the Raptors 89-84 win in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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DeMar DeRozan

Apr 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) celebrates with forward Patrick Patterson (54) against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) celebrates with forward Patrick Patterson (54) against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

DeMar DeRozan, a Compton native and former player at the University of California, could be a more realistic option for the Lakers to pick.

While the team has Jordan Clarkson at shooting guard, grabbing DeRozan would mean more depth for them at that position. DeRozan has done a great job in Toronto playing his role and would get the chance at a sweet homecoming with the Lakers.

As we’ve seen from the case of LeBron James, coming back to where you grew up to try and win a title has deeper meaning than a lot of people may realize — DeRozan is no exception to that desire.

Lou Williams made a good transition from Toronto to Los Angeles, and having him around will bode well for the Lakers in regards to flow on the court.

Dealing D’Angelo Russell isn’t out of the cards in the instance that the Lakers go all out on DeRozan, and just like the potential Paul George grab, it’s important to keep things in perspective.

Russell may have untapped potential, especially considering the fact that he’s only got one season under his belt, but comparing that to an already-established power player is a scenario in which the Lakers will always lean towards the latter.

Lakers Nation reports that DeRozan “wants to be” with the Lakers next season, citing comments from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith made on Tuesday.

The mentality of DeRozan gives the Lakers an edge when putting a deal on the table, as the focus shifts to drawing personal interest rather than convincing a team to willingly trade one of their best players — an obstacle they face in the Paul George debacle.

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