The Sacramento Kings further stacked the West with a surprise DeMar DeRozan trade. This trade has brought the Sac-Town alive after a disappointing season, failing to even qualify for the playoffs. When the free agency market was open, DeRozan reportedly had many teams, including the LA Lakers, approaching his agent, but the veteran baller ultimately chose the Kings. And the 34-year-old revealed the reasons behind his $74 million decision.

In the latest chat with Sean Cunningham of Fox, the former Bulls star opened up about the trade, sitting in the stands of Golden 1 Center. Importantly, he revealed the two reasons behind it. He said, “Sometimes realistic factors come into play. Factor of it, one being closer to where I am from. Being close to home. The part of it that come in a play, in a sense of like, they (Kings) really moving toward something, the key piece that is missing. I can feel that void and kinda take it over the top.”

Moreover, DeMar DeRozan slid past, not speaking a word about Rob Pelinka’s failed acquisition, amidst flamethrowers being blown Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka’s way in the last few weeks. He continued to hail the Kings’ adamant pursuit. Speaking of the Kings’ interest in him, he continued, “It stuck with me from the sense of showing how much they (Kings) was pressing at it. Every single day, it’s always ‘Sac calling’, ‘Sac wanna do this’, ‘Sac wanna do this’, more than anybody.”

However, on the other end, the Lakers barely made any effort, as per Shams Charania.

Charania recently spoke about the Lakers’ underwhelming pursuit to grab DeMar DeRozan during his feature on The Rally. He said, “I’m told the Lakers never went beyond expressing simple interest in DeRozan. There were no offers or tangible conversations with the Bulls on a ‘Sign & Trade’ deal.” Speaking of the newly spearheaded JJ Redick team, let’s further analyze their free agency.

The Lakers’ quiet off-season continues

The Lakers were the first to make a move in the off-season. The team dismissed their head coach, Darvin Ham, and kept the NBA world guessing. After weeks of drama, the team finally hired JJ Redick. The former star’s inclusion indeed reflected a positive light on the team’s future, as he focussed on player development and rebuilding the roster.

Apart from that, the team made the historic draft pick, roping in Bronny James. The first team to have a father-son duo. And not to forget, the talented 17th pick Dalton Knecht. And that’s about it.

The Lakers couldn’t do anything further in the off-season. Several teams have moved a lot of coins and upgraded their side. Even the LA side has brought in those new names, but the question is, is that enough to win the championship? LeBron James even decided to take a pay cut to stack his roster with experience. But none of the players reacted positively to the summon.

The veteran, in a recent interview, seemed to have sympathized with the front office. He said, “At the end of the day, I think, you know, our front office and our coaching staff, they try to do the job that they wanted to do or try to get guys to come and just, it didn’t happen. But that’s okay. It’s part of the business.”

With only a few players left in the free agency market like Tyus Jones, Isaac Okoro, and Kyle Lowry, the Lakers indeed have a decision to make. The team either has to play the waiting game or seal their current roster and prepare for the upcoming season.

Will the NBA world witness a surprise trade from the Lakers? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.