It is no secret that the Lakers are desperately looking for a third superstar. Losing in the first round to the Nuggets, they realized that the LeBron and AD duo might not be enough to get them over the hump anymore. And amid their search, there have been speculations about hometown kid DeMar DeRozan signing with the Lakers as he enters free agency this summer. However, due to Rob Pelinka’s financial restrictions, DeRozan might have to make a huge sacrifice for a chance to fulfill his childhood dream.

During the latest episode of Buha’s Block, The Athletic’s Jovan Buha addressed DeRozan’s chances of wearing purple and gold next season, “There is always a chance but I do not see it happening unless DeMar is making it a priority to get back home.” With his current three-year $81.9 million contract ending this season, the Bulls were reportedly ready to keep DeRozan in Chicago for another two years and offered him a $80 million contract. However, both parties failed to reach an agreement as NBC’s K.C. Johnson revealed, “For now, DeRozan is seeking a longer-term deal.”

But it is nearly impossible for him to get a better deal than that in LA. “The most the Lakers can pay him is the non-tax payer mid-level exception, which starts at about $12.9 million.” Buha revealed. Therefore, the only true motivating factor for DeRozan to even think about taking this significant pay cut would be to play in his hometown.

Moreover, he has always been vocal about his desire to play where his idol played and even said this during his recent appearance on Run It Back, “I mean, when I was a kid, everybody knows I’m a Kobe guy at the end of the day. Always been a Kobe guy, been a Laker fan since day one. You can’t never say no about playing at home, especially playing for a historic team like the Lakers.” Regardless, Buha believes that the Lakers’ financial restrictions might be too hard to overlook for the 34-year-old star.

Can DeMar DeRozan’s addition solve the Lakers’ problems?

Even if DeRozan somehow agrees to join the Lakers at merely thirteen million a year, Buha believes that his addition might not be enough to get them to a Championship. “I don’t love the DeRozan fit.” While everyone is aware of his clutch gene and unparalleled mid-range shooting, two major weaknesses in his game don’t fit well if you are playing alongside LeBron James. With his career three-point shooting percentage not even touching thirty and him not being a great perimeter defender, he could struggle with LeBron like Westbrook did during his tenure.

“If you’re going to play in the wing for the Lakers, you need to be at least one of these two, if not both.” Buha said about DeRozan’s shooting and defense. Even with Russ, the trade looked great on paper but we all witnessed how the former MVP struggled to find his role in the team. And the same could be the fate of DeRozan, who is more known for his interior game and scoring ability.

However, if DeRozan agrees to sign at a lower rate, the Lakers might not hesitate to pick him up because that would be too good a deal to let go. But that seems unlikely, considering DeMar is still playing at an elite level, averaging 24 points along with over four rebounds and five assists this season. And that would easily get him a lucrative offer from many potential suitors. So, the dream of a homecoming might stay a dream for DeRozan at least for this summer.

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.