4 Free Agents the Lakers Must Avoid this Offseason

DeMar DeRozan

The same spacing concerns apply to DeMar DeRozan as well. The 34-year-old scorer is entering free agency and the Lakers have long been linked to the six-time All-Star. DeRozan is a Los Angeles native and has expressed a desire to come home at various points in his career.

However, the Lakers should stay away as his fit next to LeBron and AD is highly questionable. First of all, DeRozan doesn't play any defense. This will put a lot of pressure and a defensive burden on Anthony Davis. Secondly, DeRozan is not a shooter. He needs the ball in his hands to be effective and can't make much of an impact as an off-ball player.

The Lakers already have limited spacing on the offensive end. Having another non-shooter, especially on the perimeter will complicate things even further. Taking the ball from LeBron James to give it to DeRozan doesn't make much sense, either.

DeRozan is a valuable player but he is more of a regular-season force than a playoff player. There is a reason he has only played in one playoff series over the last five years. He has failed to maintain his efficiency in the playoffs throughout his career due to his glaring limitations. The Lakers need to go for playoff-proven players who play both ends of the floor.

The only way the Lakers can afford DeRozan is by a sign-and-trade. Los Angeles can't sign him outright due to their limited cap space. This means that the Lakers will have to give up assets to bring him in. Considering that DeRozan is on the decline and likely only has another season or two at his level, he isn't the most ideal fit.