Lakers Interested in Trading for Spurs’ DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan with Raptors in 2018
DeMar DeRozan with Raptors in 2018. Photo by Canadian Press/REX/Shutterstock

San Antonio Spurs’ DeMar DeRozan is the latest big name that is being connected with reigning NBA champs Los Angeles Lakers. According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the Lakers are interested in trading for DeRozan and would be willing to offer Kyle Kuzma and Danny Green in exchange.  

It is unclear whether the Spurs would be interested in making such a trade as it would immediately make them weaker in an already packed Western Conference. Kuzma and Green are fine players, but they don’t offer the same impact on the game as DeRozan.

On the other hand, DeRozan will be out of contract after this season, so it might be the last chance for the Spurs to get something valuable in return for him. They also might be tempted by the prospect of having Kuzma, who showed flashes of big talent in the past and might blossom with a change of scenery.

From the Lakers’ standpoint, getting DeRozan is a no-doubter. He is a four-time All-Star and a player who can take over the game with his scoring any given night. The 31-year-old player is coming from one of his most productive seasons, having averaged 22 points, five rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.

However, the Lakers should be concerned about DeMar DeRozan’s fit with their current roster. One of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses is the three-point shooting, and DeRozan is famous for avoiding shooting three-pointers. Also, the Lakers are building a brand as a defensive juggernaut, and DeRozan is almost equally famous for not playing defense.

It now remains to be seen whether the good outweighs the bad for the Lakers and how committed they are to staking their future for another title run.  

Ben loves sports so much but prefers watching other people do it. He prefers not to share what teams he's supporting but he is willing to admit that Lebron James is, in fact, the king.