DeMar DeRozan’s near-miss with the Los Angeles Lakers is one of the more intriguing “what-if” scenarios in recent NBA history. Twice, the Compton native and USC alum came close to joining his hometown team, only to see other priorities take precedence for the Lakers.
His revelation about the 2021 free agency process, shared during an appearance on Lou Williams’ podcast, underscores just how different things could have been.
In 2021, DeRozan believed a deal with the Lakers was imminent before the team pivoted to acquire Russell Westbrook in a blockbuster trade. The move, which involved sending Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and a first-round pick to the Washington Wizards, proved to be a controversial decision.
While Westbrook’s time in Los Angeles was tumultuous, DeRozan flourished in Chicago, showcasing his elite scoring ability and leadership.
During his tenure with the Bulls, DeRozan averaged an impressive 25.5 points per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field. Despite his individual brilliance, Chicago struggled to find playoff success, largely due to roster deficiencies in defense and frontcourt depth.
Now, with the Sacramento Kings, DeRozan finds himself in a similarly challenging situation, though the team’s offensive firepower, led by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, offers hope for a deeper postseason run.
For the Lakers, the decision to pursue Westbrook over DeRozan remains a point of contention among fans and analysts. Westbrook’s high usage rate and fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis were questioned from the start, and his tenure in Los Angeles lasted less than two seasons.
The move ultimately cost the Lakers valuable depth and flexibility, leading to a series of midseason trades in 2023 to salvage their roster.
Had DeRozan joined the Lakers, it’s tantalizing to imagine how his efficient scoring and playmaking could have complemented James and Davis. Instead, the narrative of “what could have been” lingers as DeRozan continues his journey in Sacramento, while the Lakers look to maintain their championship aspirations in the post-Westbrook era.
