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Why DeMar DeRozan Should Be A Laker In 2017

By Chris Walton

Oct 9, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) gets by a Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) gets by a Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Whether it comes with uncertainties or no sense of prediction, the NBA is a league of forward thinking into the future. If you don’t believe it, then you can point to a number of draft picks, contract talks, and head coaching decisions. The Los Angeles Lakers are definitely at the forefront of teams gazing into what’s to come with glimmers of hope in their eyes.

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They will enter the next few years with three good young talents (Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, 2015 No. 2 overall pick), and the cap space to pursue another major piece to their roster. Free agency in 2016 and 2017 is where the courting will be done.

There’s lots of talk and focus on the biggest name on the 2016 market, and that guy is Kevin Durant. No explanation is needed as to why the Lakers will hand over the keys of the franchise to the former MVP. The problem lies in Durant’s notion to always pursue his own path in basketball.

We saw it when he chose the University of Texas over prestigious programs such as Kentucky or Duke. On top of that, the Lakers would be in competition with Durant’s hometown Washington Wizards, who likely will have a better bargaining position.

Once Durant is off the market, the talent and possible signings drastically drop off. So if the Lakers are smart, they can plan to pursue other options in the next year of free agency. The team should look no further than to a darkhorse signing: DeMar DeRozan.

While DeRozan’s name may not be as sexy as Durant, he’s still a far more realistic option for the Lakers. DeRozan’s  four-year, $40 million contract that he signed two years ago will come to an end. The strides that he has made as a player have definitely been impressive. This year he put up 20 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 41.3 percent shooting from the field.

He’s also coming off of the Raptors’ back-to-back playoff berths.

Despite their emergence as one of the Eastern Conference’s emerging squads, the likelihood of him bringing a championship to the Toronto Raptors by then are slim. The Lakers are nowhere near the improvement as the Raptors, but potentially, their roster could be an better fit for DeRozan’s scoring and athletic ability by the time free agency comes in ’17.

Aside from a new beginning with a storied franchise, there are also other factors that could match the Lakers and DeRozan.

Hometown Kid

DeRozan hails from Compton, Calif., while also playing at the University of Southern California. The chance to come back home and continue the resurrection of the state’s most popular team would be like a dream for most players. Not only is he a Cali resident, but DeRozan grew up a Laker fan, naturally. This could be a major pitch for DeRozan’s availability.

The Heir Apparent

Not surprisingly, DeMar DeRozan grew up with Kobe Bryant as his favorite player. DeRozan spoke with James Herbert of CBS Sports in April about his admiration for the 20-year veteran:

"As you’d expect of a native of Compton. Calif., the Los Angeles Lakers were DeRozan’s favorite team growing up, Kobe Bryant his favorite player. At 16 years old, he and childhood friend James Harden played against their idol at one of Bryant’s camps. Almost a decade later, DeRozan’s never stopped picking Bryant’s brain. “From there on out,” he said, “it’s just whenever I see Kob’, that’s my man.”"

Imagine the chance to come in and become the man behind the legend. It’s a lot of pressure, but with a solid foundation starting to form, DeRozan will likely have the help.

Bigger Market

It’s often overstated, but you can’t underestimate a big market. DeRozan has certainly fared well and become a fan-favorite to Toronto, but it’s nothing like the big lights of L.A. What a big stage in Los Angeles can do for a player’s brand means more money in their pocket and a familiar face worldwide.

Looking beyond the basketball court, all players dream of being the face of a franchise, and the historic Lakers are that ideal team. DeRozan would thrive with more endorsement opportunities and jersey sales. Especially if he helps the team get back into contention.

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    • Roster Potential

    Imagine the Lakers boasting a lineup featuring Jordan Clarkson, DeMar DeRozan, Julius Randle, and Jahlil Okafor. If each player progresses as projected, this could arguably be one of the best young cores in the league. DeRozan could play the role of the veteran all-star, providing the team with leadership and the much-needed offensive firepower from the two.

    Not many teams would want the task of slowing them down.

    The Lakers are hoping to have some great things play out in their favor. It’s going to be the biggest few years in their franchise’s progress during the next two seasons. If Durant doesn’t bat an eye to Los Angeles, then beginning the DeRozan campaign would be an excellent choice to make.

    The team may not get a superstar, but a damn good player nonetheless, and those haven’t come the Lakers’ way recently.

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