DeMar DeRozan and Kobe Bryant (Photo : Getty Images)
DeMar DeRozan could choose to stay with the Toronto Raptors amid his impending free agency, according to the latest NBA rumors.
DeRozan is one of the most sought-after stars in this year's free agency class, probably second behind OKC Thunder Kevin Durant. The Raptors All-Star has been linked with numerous teams, but the most sounding reports are about DeRozan potentially joining the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.
Earlier this year, Zach Lowe of ESPN claim in his report that the Lakers are prepared to offer DeRozan a max contract, with the 26-year-old shooting guard a lock to decline the player option on the final term of his four-year $38 million deal with the Raptors.
Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report then reported that the two-time All-Star is "very likely candidate" for the Lakers as DeRozan idolizes Kobe Bryant and would be a great addition for the LA's youthful lineup.
"DeMar DeRozan is a very, very likely candidate for the Lakers," Ding said.
"He's from L.A., he's gonna be a free agent. He loves Kobe. He grew up idolizing Kobe. So, when you start to look at the options, guys that aren't afraid to follow in Kobe's footsteps, DeRozan is not [afraid]. He would be a great add."
However, Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley believes DeRozan could opt to pick the Raptors over the Lakers in free agency to continue his legacy with the team that nurtured him to become one of the elite stars of the league.
"He could always look for a new home-the Southern California native would be a tremendous get for the post-Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers-but why would he? He already has an All-Star running mate beside him (Kyle Lowry), a diversely talented frontcourt behind and an affinity for the only NBA threads he's ever worn," Buckley wrote.
The Lakers could persuade DeRozan to be their next superstar, especially with Bryant retiring at the end of the season. He will get a chance to be the leader of LA's young pact and would be a huge upgrade at the two or three position.
It could be enticing for DeRozan to move to Tinsel Town, considering the big market and lucrative deal the Lakers are willing to offer. But the chance to take the Raptors to the team's first NBA championship could also be a factor for DeRozan to stay.
However, the Raptors have yet to get past the opening round in their last two postseason appearances. The worst was last year when they were ousted by the Washington Wizards 4-0 in their seven-game series.
Toronto enter the playoff picture as the second seed and will face Paul George and the Indiana Pacers in the opening round, which could be another difficult postseason matchup for the Raptors.
Between the Lakers and Raptors, the latter has the plausible opportunity for an NBA title. But DeRozan joining the Lakers could also offer the same opportunity, especially if LA can turn the things around this offseason via free agency, trade and/or drafting prospects.
