In real life, deep love has no price. But in basketball trade life, price is everything. In a podcast called “Locked on Lakers,” the host mocks Rob Pelinka and LeBron James on the DeMar DeRozan trade, essentially stating, ‘deep love of DeMar DeRozan doesn’t equal deep discount.’ DeRozan still wants to be paid his market value, even if he really wants to play in LA.

The Los Angeles Lakers are interested in the trade of DeMar. However, the possible price, according to the budget left for the Lakers, is very short, which is a blockade for the Lakers to acquire DeRozan. Due to this, many other teams have shown interest in DeRozan. In the Locked on lakers podcast, host Andy Kamenetzky said, “One thing we have learned between the summer of ’20 and this current summer is that DeMar DeRozan deeply loves Los Angeles but that deep love for Los Angeles does not equal to deep discounts for Lakers.”

Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers are looking for potential teams to help in trades and sign deals. LeBron James is willing to accept a pay cut of approximately $3 million, receiving a two-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $101.3 million. This will hardly help to get DeRozan on the team, even if DeRozan loves to be part of the Lakers.

DeRozan has played in the NBA for 15 seasons and scored an average of 24 points in the last season, which makes him a good prospect for all teams. Rob Pelinka is under pressure to acquire a good player. Since the Lakers’ best prospect, Klay Thompson has signed a deal with the Dallas Mavericks, it’s time for the Lakers to make their decision as quickly as possible.

Players besides DeRozan who are involved in the Lakers’ trade negotiations?

Recently, the Lakers have been eyeing making the championship roster. After acquiring Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, the Lakers are left with minimal credit to develop a good player. The Lakers are eying Jeremi Grant. As the y navigate their complex trade negotiations, they remain keenly aware of one key player who could boost their championship hopes.

Zach LaVine boasts outstanding scoring ability and athleticism. He could provide what the Lakers lack, an edge in scoring ability and athleticism to propel them past Western Conference rivals into contention for championship glory. Unfortunately, his high salary demands would require them to find ways of accommodating him within their limited budget, thus forcing Rob Pelinka and the company’s front office to look elsewhere for contenders.

Los Angeles Lakers must explore trade options to strengthen their roster. Potential targets could include Dejounte Murray ($18.2M), an elite defender and playmaker; Bruce Brown Jr. ($22M), an effective wing defender; Marcus Smart (18.6M), an aggressive leader who can protect D’Angelo Russell with scoring abilities, Rui Hachimura (15M$) who may be an outstanding young forward with potential scoring, or Gabe Vincent (10.5M) as sharpshooting guard with instant offense; among many more possibilities.

Assembling these players can meet specific needs for the Lakers, including defense, playmaking, scoring and depth needs. Dejounte Murray and Marcus Smart can bolster defense while Bruce Brown Jr. and Rui Hachimura provide scoring depth. D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent, on the other hand, provide playmaking abilities and shooting skills.

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef.