DeMar DeRozan Joins LeBron James in LA to Attend Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Pop Out’ Concert Amid Lakers Rumors

As we head deeper into the offseason, there are high chances that DeMar DeRozan might be on the move from Chicago. With his three-year $81.9 million contract with the Bulls ending this season, he will enter free agency and might head to a new destination. There’ve been murmurs about Deebo likely joining his hometown team Los Angeles Lakers because it’s been his childhood dream. Fuelling all those rumors, DeMar was spotted in LA at a star-studded event which even had LeBron James and many NBA stars in attendance.

It was for Kendrick Lamar’s ‘The Pop Out: Ken & Friends’ concert, which came to town on the occasion of the Juneteenth celebration. James Harden, who was spotted alongside Rick Ross, was accompanied by Russell Westbrook. Among them was DeMar DeRozan at the Kia Forum in an all-black outfit. Bron was pictured sitting near the stage and it looked like he had the best spot!

With this concert being Lamar’s first major live event since his viral beef with Drake reignited, there was no chance that King James was going to miss the show, especially when it’s in LA. Friends with both high-profile rappers, the NBA legend has been highly invested in the beef and has even been vocal about it on several occasions. “Nothing like 2 heavyweights doing What They Do Best! For the love of the sport.” Bron tweeted back in April. Bron must’ve maintained an equal stance but many critics have declared Lamar the winner of the feud after releasing bangers like Not Like Us, Meet the Grahams, Euphoria, and many more. While the world of rap will continue synchronizing with the NBA universe, the Lakers fans began having a few questions in their minds.

Is DeMar DeRozan to the Lakers possible?

Although it was for a concert, DeRozan’s visit to LA has once again sparked the rumors about his possible move to the Lakers. But considering the team’s financial restrictions this summer, the signing seems rather unlikely. As of now, the most Rob Pelinka can offer DeRozan is the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which would amount to something around $12.9 million annually. That would be a massive pay cut for DeRozan not only from his previous contract but also the one that he could get in the open market. Even the Bulls were reportedly ready to offer him a 2-year $80 million deal to keep him in Chicago. But looking more long-term, DeRozan declined.

Considering the financial sacrifice he would have to make to play in his hometown, DeRozan would only agree to this deal for a chance to win with LeBron and to play for the storied Lakers franchise. In a recent interview, DeMar kept the door open for a possible Lakers signing, “You can’t never say no about playing at home, especially playing for a historic team like the Lakers.”

Moreover, at this stage of his career, winning might be the biggest priority for the mid-range maestro. “The next time I play a game will be my 16th season. You realize the window closes for you personally. I ain’t trying to play 25 years… My stance on wanting to be here is still the same but I just want to win,” he said after the end of this season.

Realizing that there might not be too many years left in his career as he is already 34, Deebo might consider teaming up with LeBron and AD for a chance to win his first ring, even if it comes with a pay cut. Moreover, the Lakers would love to have a player of his caliber who can score 20-25 points a night consistently and is clutch in pressure situations.

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise to stardom. Keep checking this space for more such updates.