DeMar DeRozan ‘Homecoming’ Could Merely Be Russell Westbrook Rehash for the Lakers, Claims Insider

As the crème de la crème of the free agency has slowly settled or committed to their destinations, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves lacking a third superstar. Klay Thompson, James Harden, and Chris Paul were their top choices to join the elite duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The King had graciously revealed that these men were the ones for whom he was willing to take a cut in his paycheck. We all know how that panned out.

CP3 decided to forego the former “generational talent” in favor of the new one, Victor Wembanyama, and the Spurs. As for Harden, he re-signed with the Clippers after a forced mid-season move from Philly. And finally, Klay. The Bay Area’s own opted for a complete makeover, choosing to move 1731 miles to Dallas in hopes of a fifth title (and difference in state taxes). The Lakers, despite making fundamental changes, are still finding it tough to lure a significant other to Los Angeles. However, this might not be the case for long.

Chicago to Los Angeles – DeMar DeRozan could finally be playing for his hometown team, but would he be a good fit?

The Lakers might find a kindred spirit in a fellow Angelino, DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls. It seems that LeBron is willing to accommodate a pay cut if the Purple & Gold can get the ex-USC product on the roster. While the front office is trying to make it work, the NBA insider, Jovan Buha, has his doubts.

In the latest episode of his podcast, Buha’s Block, the Lakers beat writer shares two reasons as to why he thinks DeRozan wouldn’t fit in LA. “Number one, it’s that he’s not a floor spacer, and number two, it’s that he is a below-average defender. And there’s even a sub-point under the shooting concern just because DeRozan needs the ball to be effective. The Lakers would have to get creative with using him as a cutter and a catch-and-shoot and a spot-up guy.”

“If the Lakers add another offensive weapon and another high-usage player, I think that player needs to be able to shoot 3s at a high level. Those are not DeRozan’s strengths,” Buha explained, making his case.

These are certainly noteworthy points, and aspects LA would do well to consider. On the other end, though, they would receive a small forward who can give them 18 to 22 points on any given night. And he is most certainly worth every penny the Lakers are ready to give him.

The glaring problem, as per Buha, is the fit. It doesn’t matter how much you are willing to pay for an outfit you are absolutely in love with. What use would you have for it if you can never wear it? And that’s where Buha has a word of advice for LeBron James and Co.

A stately reminder from the Russell Westbrook days in Los Angeles

“The two biggest issues with the DeMar DeRozan fit with the Lakers are similar to the two biggest issues with Russell Westbrook’s fit with the Lakers,“ Jovan stated as a preamble. And maybe a reminder.

James was the biggest supporter in bringing the California native to the home team. The 2021 acquisition of the 9x All-Star was supposed to turn the Lakers duo into a three-headed hydra. Unfortunately, what happened following his arrival at Lakeshow can, at best, be described as a catastrophe of the highest degree. Not only did his phenomenal production take a backseat, but Westbrook could never really find on-court chemistry with Bron or AD. The locker room scenario wasn’t much better, either.

Long story short, the Lakers got back up on the rankings after he was traded. Well, what do you think? Would getting DeMar DeRozan turn out to be a Westbrook-esque mistake? Or is he just the right man for the job? Let us know your thoughts.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.

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