Sacramento Kings star, DeMar DeRozan talks about his off-season moves and names the other options he contemplated.
DeMar DeRozan joining LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard (image via NBA)
The fans have been shocked by many moves during this NBA offseason. One of the stars who changed teams was former Chicago Bulls star, DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan was involved in a sign-and-trade deal with the Sacramento Kings. Despite this move, numerous rumors circulated about DeRozan potentially signing with other teams. Recently, DeRozan appeared as a guest on Paul George‘s podcast “P.
On the podcast, Paul George asked DeMar DeRozan about his offseason move and which potential teams he was considering going to. DeRozan listed the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat as “legitimate” options for him in free agency before eventually choosing the Sacramento Kings. DeRozan’s interest in the Lakers was well known, as there were rumors about him signing with them previously.
Philly definitely was an option. Lakers was an option always. Clippers was an option. And the Heat… Those teams, for sure, were real personal, legitimate options that I was considering.DeMar DeRozan via Podcast P
DeRozan could have certainly joined LeBron James and Anthony Davis to form a super team in the Lakers. The move could have potentially made the Lakers the favorites for the championship. DeRozan also mentioned the possibility of joining Kawhi Leonard and James Harden on the Clippers. Despite the loss of George, DeRozan could have been a strong replacement for him.
Despite being 35 years old, DeRozan remains one of the league’s most efficient mid-range scorers. Many teams coveted DeRozan for this skill. During his last season with the Bulls, he averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. DeRozan’s move to the Sacramento Kings has caused a stir in the NBA offseason, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming season.
LeBron James was ready to take a pay cut for DeMar DeRozan
In the last season, fans saw the Los Angeles Lakers getting bounced out of the playoffs in the first round against the Denver Nuggets. It was evident the roster lacked key role players who could help the team. Entering the offseason the Lakers were in desperate need to improve their roster.
LeBron James was even willing to take a significant pay cut to sign a big star. He even provided a list of stars that could have been added to the team. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, DeMar DeRozan was one of the potential names that James wanted on the Lakers. However, DeRozan ultimately chose the Kings. As a result, James decided to take the max deal with the Lakers.
The Lakers are entering the next season with almost the same squad. The Western Conference presents a tough road for the Lakers, with many strong teams like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers will need to work hard to compete with these formidable opponents.