DeMar DeRozan: “I Got the Utmost Respect for LeBron James. It’s Definitely One of Those Situations That When I’m Older I Can Say I Played Against That Guy”

The Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls matchup was all heated up in the last quarter. While it wasn’t very interesting to see the two teams go head to head most of the game, the fourth quarter really had all our attention. However, Lakers fans were hardly pleased because, despite a slow third quarter, the Bulls were able to overtake them and seal a 115-110 victory. Yet, the Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan is still in awe of his opponent, LeBron James.

It is indeed no surprise that the Bulls superstar has a deep admiration for James, who has been regarded as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court.

DeMar DeRozan speaks highly of LeBron James

The Chicago Bulls are a team, that has been affected greatly by the recent outbreak. That has led to players entering the league’s health and safety protocols – winning this matchup would have taken a miracle. Let’s not forget, the purple and gold are also suffering.

While losing players to the protocols, they also lost Anthony Davis to a knee injury last game which will have him sidelined at least for a month.

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Although most people think that this game should have been an easy victory for the Lakers, they’re wrong. The Bulls have been underdogs all through the season and have found their way almost to the top of the Eastern Conference. They have had a terrific season so far, but like most others, suffered some mishaps because of players being absent.

Yet, the Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan was enough to take over their entire team. He put up a whopping 38-point performance, combined with double digits from Nikola Vucevic, Alex Caruso, and Lonzo Ball. However, DeRozan’s highlight was playing against James.

In the post-game interview, he said, “He knows it. I’ve said it over and over. I got the utmost respect for LeBron. It’s definitely one of those situations that when I’m older, I can say I played against that guy.”

Is it downhill for the Lakers once again?

One can’t help but wonder where this loss leaves the Lakers. LeBron James played much better this time than last, finishing with 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists. Right behind him was Carmelo Anthony with 21 and Russell Westbrook with 20.

It’s clear that Davis’ absence will hurt their record badly. What we also know is that the purple and gold haven’t had the best run even with Davis playing.

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Right now, the only thing they can do is work on finding the best replacements for their absentees with the new league rules in place. Who do you think they should be eyeing?