The Sacramento Kings pulled out all the stops in their endeavors to land the 6x All-Star, DeMar DeRozan in free agency. Despite the Lakers’ reported interest in the 15-year veteran had dwindled as Miami and the Kings rose in the charts, as more likely teams to land DeRozan. Not even his appearance with fellow Compton native and popular rapper Kendrick Lamar’s music video was enough to keep him in LA!

Interestingly enough, it seems that the Purple & Gold might not have done enough to show him that they really do care. Shams Charania of The Athletic broke the news of DeRozan moving to Sacramento.“The Lakers never went beyond expressing just simple interest in DeRozan. There were no offers or tangible conversations with the Bulls on the sign-and-trade,” Charania said.

In stark contrast, the Kings never once backed down and pushed the “hardest and fastest” to get a deal done, as the DeMar wanted to “land in a competitive environment.” Their owner, Vivek Ranadive, “really clinched [the deal] in their in-person meeting”, Shams reported on The Rally.

Clearly, the other executives failed to convince DeMar DeRozan. And one of them happens to be the Lakers’ Rob Pelinka. An aspect LeBron James, visibly, didn’t seem too happy with. In an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James gives his take on the Purple & Gold‘s inability to land a solid impact player yet. “It takes two to tango,” Bron started after sacrificing $3 million from his wages to keep Jeanie Buss’ team $45,000 scaringly under the second apron.

“At the end of the day, I think, 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 it just, it didn’t happen, and that’s okay. That’s part of the business.” James’ claim stands disproved now as Pelinka’s efforts to honor the 4x MVP’s wishes of bringing a third star to LA fall significantly short of expectations.

How can the Lakers salvage this situation?

What’s left for the Lakers in free agency after the failed DeMar DeRozan pursuit?

Weeks into free agency, the Lakers are yet to make a new signing. The roster stands unchanged from last season, with the only additions being rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. Can this change over the next few weeks? Despite D’Angelo Russell’s extension, the Lakers seem to be in need of a free agent who can provide scoring off the bench. This is where Gary Trent Jr. comes in. The Lakers are said to be interested in the 25-year-old guard who played with the Toronto Raptors last season.

A coveted free agency target for many teams, Trent Jr. possesses an incredible shot-making ability. He shot 42.6% from the field last season, also making 39.3% of his 3-point shots. Along with Trent Jr., the LA-based side is also linked to Brook Lopez, Jerami Grant & Spencer Dinwiddie. And with Anthony Davis looking to move back to his preferred position of power forward, signing Brook Lopez would significantly benefit the team.

Lopez offers floor spacing along with Championship pedigree. Grant and Dinwiddie are also major free agency targets who can boost the offensive efforts. Their interest in Trent Jr. and others may land them the help they desperately need. But can Rob Pelinka close these deals or will they make the same mistake as they did in the DeRozan pursuit?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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