DeMar DeRozan (Photo : Getty Images)
Despite conflicting reports, the Los Angeles Lakers remain the top destination for Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan, one of the most coveted free agents in the market.
The Lakers' attempt to instantly contend next season is in full swing, with the team high on signing a top-talented free agent once the summer market opens. One of the names involved in the rumor mill is DeRozan, who has been consistently linked to LA, where he hails and played high school basketball.
While there are reports that Lakers are "not that high" on signing the 26-year-old guard, all indications still point at DeRozan being LA's likely signing in free agency, according to Bleacher Report's Adam Fromal.
ESPN's Stephen A Smith claimed that DeRozan has "made it very, very clear that he wants to be in LA," while Zach Lowe believes the Lakers "are prepared to offer him a max deal starting at $25 million per season."
However, Hannah Kulik of Lakers Nation is not convinced DeRozan is good enough to carry the Lakers back into title contention. With D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson appearing more likely than shooting guards, Kulik believes there is no need for the Lakers to sign another SG who also lacks defense.
"It might be smarter to use their cap space on a "3 and D" wing player or a center, both of which appear to be more pressing needs. Some consider Russell and Clarkson to be more shooting guards than point guards, so why use cap space to sign yet another shooting guard?" Kulik wrote.
Considering the Raptors achievement in the postseason of reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time, there is a growing sense that DeRozan would still remain in Toronto for another remarkable run with his backcourt partner Kyle Lowry and the rest of his teammates. The Raptors may also feel the same way towards DeRozan after helping the team turn from a playoff filler to a legitimate title contender.
Nevertheless, the Lakers are still expected to be major players in pursuing DeRozan this summer, with LA having plenty of things to pitch, including a max deal and playing under Luke Walton with young talented teammates.
"In the last two years, we had nothing to sell," Lakers part-owner Jim Buss said, reports Basketball Insiders. "Trust me, it's a whole different feeling when you walk into one of those pitches and we have a lot [more on the roster and cap room to add additional talent]."
