Major Threat to Lakers’ DeMar DeRozan Pursuit Emerges
By Cem Yolbulan
The Los Angeles Lakers have largely been quiet so far in the offseason. They targeted Klay Thompson but failed to sign him. Now, they have seemingly turned their attention to All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan. Even though it was widely considered that they would be in the driver's seat to sign the Los Angeles native, they are suddenly facing unexpected competition from an Eastern Conference contender.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Miami Heat are among the teams that are interested in signing the six-time All-Star.
Lakers Suddenly Face DeMar DeRozan Competition
NEW: Heat still quiet in free agency. What Donovan Mitchell’s extension means and exploring the DeMar DeRozan possibility https://t.co/G0et69gO0a Where things stand for the Heat on Day 3 of free agency
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) July 2, 2024
The reporting suggests that there is mutual interest between the parties but there are more than just the Heat and the Lakers attempting to sign the 34-year-old.
"The Heat has expressed interest in Bulls free agent guard DeMar DeRozan, and DeRozan also has interest in Miami, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation. The Heat is among several teams in play for the six-time All Star."
- Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
The Miami Heat are in the same boat as the Lakers. Despite a desperate need to improve their aging roster to get back to their contender status, they haven't been active so far this offseason.
Their interest in DeRozan, however, is rather surprising. DeRozan doesn't fit their needs as he is another non-shooter next to Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. He is reliable and doesn't miss many games, so he would certainly help the Heat but his on-court fit with Butler is questionable due to their similar games on the offensive end.
DeRozan's fit with the Lakers is not entirely perfect, either. He would create further spacing problems and he is a defensive liability. But, he is a valuable scorer and offensive engine that would give the Lakers another playmaker.
If the Lakers also miss out on DeRozan, their options will be rapidly dwindling. They would have to execute the perfect trades to have a chance to significantly improve their roster.
More Lakers news and rumors:
feed