The Los Angeles Lakers still have some work to do in free agency despite all the moves they have made so far. In particular, the Lakers are in dire need of a big wing, primarily one who thrives on the defensive end. One veteran player who had been linked to the Lakers in previous years recently became available as the Sacramento Kings released Southern California native DeMar DeRozan.
With the Lakers having had past interest in DeRozan, and still needing to fill out their roster with some minimum deals, some may have wondered whether they could pursue the wing. However, the Lakers are not considered to be a potential landing spot for DeRozan, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
The Los Angeles Lakers are not considered to be a potential landing spot for veteran guard DeMar DeRozan after he was released by Sacramento in Monday, multiple league sources told ESPN. The Southern California native had dialogue with LAL in the past – notably in 2021.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 7, 2026
While DeRozan is a player who still has plenty in the tank, he does not fit the type of wing the Lakers need to surround superstar Luka Doncic, so it wouldn’t make sense for them to pursue him seriously in free agency.
Last season, DeRozan averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists while appearing in 77 games for the Kings. However, he has never been a floor spacer, shooting just 32% from 3-point range last year and 30.2% from deep for his career. He also isn’t a player who can be that lockdown wing defender this roster sorely needs. The Lakers are looking for true 3-and-D wings and that is not a role made for DeRozan.
With all the moves they have made so far this offseason, the Lakers are now limited in what they can do. The roster already has enough offensive-minded players and finding that wing defender is a top priority. The front office understands DeRozan doesn’t fit that bill so, while it would be a good story of him coming home in the latter stages of his career, the two sides are not what each other needs at this time.
Lakers briefly discussed Rui Hachimura sign-and-trade with Clippers
The Lakers recently lost forward Rui Hachimura in free agency as he agreed to a two-year deal to join the Los Angeles Clippers. Before signing the deal, however, the Lakers and Clippers discussed a potential sign-and-trade, but the two sides were unable to come to an agreement.
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