Los Angeles Lakers: Attainable Big-Name Free Agents

DeMar DeRozan, Player Option

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 26 (8/7/1989)
Slash Line: .446/.338/.850
Season Averages: 35.9 MPG, 23.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 3PM

No one knows what to make of DeMar DeRozan as a player or free agent. He’s the best slasher in the NBA—No. 1 in both points via drives per game and free throw attempts via drives—but he’s a subpar 3-point shooter who he relies heavily on his midrange game.

If head coach Luke Walton can help DeRozan expand his range, however, the Compton native could help restore the Los Angeles Lakers to relevance.

As previously alluded to, DeRozan was the most productive slasher in the NBA during the 2015-16 season. Standing at 6’7″ with explosive athleticism and the length to finish around bigger defenders, that comes as no surprise.

It’s also worth noting that the Toronto Raptors have won three consecutive division titles, and DeRozan has been the team’s the leading scorer in all three seasons.

The concerning sign is that, in a modern era that lives for the 3-ball, DeRozan is a subpar 3-point shooter. His career-best marks are 64 3-point field goals made and a 3-point field goal percentage of .338.

Slashers are still invaluable in the postseason, but DeRozan’s jump shot is a red flag.

Next: Mr. Everything