LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James wants to win in Los Angeles and he wants DeMar DeRozan with him

The King is willing to give up on some money to sign a key piece that could help them in the playoffs

Chicago Bulls' DeMar DeRozan (11) dribbles the ball during the first...
Chicago Bulls' DeMar DeRozan (11) dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets in New York, Friday, March 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)

In recent days, when names emerged as possible targets for the Los Angeles Lakers to sign, one of the topics of conversation was whether LeBron James would be willing to give up a portion of his salary to facilitate a g. Among the names mentioned were James Harden, Klay Thompson and Chris Paul. However, all of them were gone after free agency began.

Amid this need for the Lakers to grab a name soon, it has come to light that DeMar DeRozan could be on the list of possible acquisitions for the Lakers. Reports, hinted that DeRozan is one of the options Los Angeles would be considering.

In order for the Lakers to offer DeMar a contract, LeBron James would have to accept a significant reduction in salary, approximately $25 million less than his previous contract after he opted out to look for a new deal with the team. This measure is necessary so that the team can maneuver financially and make a viable offer under NBA rules.

DeMar DeRozan might be the only option left for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are under some pressure to make a transaction to free up additional cap space. However, the moves that other teams have made are making the clock of the purple and gold tic and fast.

DeRozan's future with the Chicago Bulls is up in the air as the franchise is in a rebuilding phase. At the end of the season, the Bulls reportedly offered DeRozan a two-year, $80 million extension, an offer he rejected in search of a longer and possibly more lucrative contract.

DeRozan is represented by agent Aaron Goodwin, and his situation remains one of the important unknowns in this free agency. Maybe that can be good enough for him to arrive in Los Angeles.

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