DeMar DeRozan’s current situation and the Los Angeles Lakers’ interest
The world of basketball is constantly changing and transfer rumors add an extra dose of excitement. Chicago Bulls star forward DeMar DeRozan is in the spotlightwith The Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers are showing great interest in him. The situation with the Bulls is complicated: After a last season marked by internal conflicts, the team only managed five wins in 18 games and is therefore in 13th place in the Eastern Conference.
DeRozan, 34, is averaging 21.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game this season. His skills and experience are undeniable., and that makes him a valuable figure in the transfer market. The latest news suggests that the Los Angeles Lakers would be willing to offer a package that includes point guard DeAngelo Russell, forward Rui Hachimura and a 2029 first-round draft pick in exchange for DeRozan.
DeRozan and his almost trade to the Lakers…twice
DeRozan spent nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors before they traded him to the San Antonio Spurs in 2018. Although he wanted to stay in Chicago and seek a contract extension, the Bulls were slow to negotiate. Raised in Los Angeles and a former college basketball player at USC, DeRozan was close to joining the Lakers in 2021, but negotiations fell through and he ultimately joined the Bulls.
Before last season’s transfer deadline The Lakers expressed interest in trading Westbrook for DeRozan, but the high price of Los Angeles prevented the agreement. Meanwhile, the Lakers (18-8) are currently in ninth place in the Western Conference standings. With a 4-0 record in the group stage of the midseason tournament, they secured a place in the quarterfinals as winners of Group A of the Western Conference.
The Lakers reach the knockout rounds
Lakers coach Darvin Ham has suggested that James would play fewer minutes to stay fit for the postseason, although that hasn’t been the case so far. The Lakers are considered favorites to win the championship every year, but currently they only have odds of +1700 to win the title.
The defending champion Denver Nuggets are favorites to win the Western Conference title for the second year in a row. The Lakers are fourth overall and won the conference after being defeated by the Nuggets in the conference finals last season.