The Los Angeles Lakers remain firmly focused on title contention. With LeBron James still defying age and Luka Doncic now in purple and gold, the championship window is wide open, but far from guaranteed.
While the roster has improved this offseason, a few critical gaps persist, particularly in consistent secondary scoring and playmaking behind their two stars.
That’s where DeMar DeRozan enters the equation.
The veteran forward is being floated as a potential trade target, especially by analysts like Brandon Austin of Pro Football & Sports Network. He noted that DeRozan’s current contract, three years at $73.89 million, comes with a $24.75 million cap hit next season and only a $10 million partial guarantee in the final year.
For teams like the Lakers that need a short-term scoring burst without long-term financial baggage, DeRozan is appealing. At nearly 36 years old, his defensive mobility is fading, but his offensive skills remain sharp.
With the Sacramento Kings transitioning toward a youth-focused rebuild under new leadership, DeRozan could be made available. His contract gives Sacramento flexibility, whether to shed salary or acquire younger assets better aligned with their long-term vision. And after a disappointing campaign, trading DeRozan could help the Kings reset their timeline.
Reshuffling to bolster LA’s firepower
For the Lakers, DeRozan represents an intriguing but complex fit. The most commonly proposed scenario involves sending Austin Reaves to Sacramento. That move would be controversial.
Reaves has blossomed into a reliable third option for the Lakers, offering versatility on both ends of the floor. However, if LA is looking to sharpen its scoring edge around James and Doncic, DeRozan could provide that spark.
Despite his age, DeRozan still delivers around 20 points per game, fueled by his elite mid-range arsenal and ability to create for others. His presence could take pressure off Doncic’s shoulders and allow James to conserve energy, vital for a player who turns 41 next season. He’s also a strong locker room presence, which matters on a team stacked with veterans chasing one last ring.
Still, there are trade-offs. DeRozan doesn’t space the floor well, and his defense could become a liability, especially in playoff matchups. Any deal would need to be carefully structured to avoid stripping LA of too much depth or flexibility.
In the end, DeRozan is a viable target, if the Lakers can balance risk and reward. He offers proven scoring and poise, but the Lakers must weigh whether the upgrade is worth sacrificing one of their few rising stars.
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