During last offseason, there were rumors that the Los Angeles Lakers were interested in DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan eventually landed with the Sacramento Kings, but with the position the Kings are currently in, there could be a scenario where they look to trade him during the offseason.
The Kings went from one of the bright young teams in the NBA to a dumpster fire, with a questionable future ahead.
If the Lakers want to move on from some of their young players and limited assets, somebody like DeRozan could be a potential get. However, the Kings would also have to be smart about what they receive back, as they don't want to lose him for a below-average return.
In a proposed trade idea from Logan Struck of Sports Illustrated, the Lakers would make one of the better trades of the offseason. His proposal would move DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas to the Lakers for Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecth, and Gabe Vincent.
“A recent report revealed that the Kings are expected to explore trade options for DeMar DeRozan, a Los Angeles native, and the Lakers would certainly be toward the top of his preferred destinations.
“DeRozan, a six-time NBA All-Star, averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game this season, as the 35-year-old forward proved he still has some gas left in the tank. At this stage of his career, DeRozan could be most effective as a veteran off the bench, although he is owed around $50.5 million over the next two seasons,” he wrote.
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Valanciunas would be an interesting player in this scenario, too.
Throughout his career, he's proven to be an above-average center, but he isn't the perfect fit for what the Lakers want to accomplish at the center position.
Still, he's an above-average rebounder and a big body at the center position. For a throw-in, he'd be a decent addition.