DeMar DeRozan Open to Lakers Homecoming: Could the Six-Time All-Star Finally Join His Favorite Team?
In a potential turn of events that has Lakers fans buzzing, DeMar DeRozan has expressed openness to joining the Los Angeles Lakers, fulfilling a long-standing dream of playing for his hometown team. The six-time All-Star recently made headlines with his comments on the show “Run It Back,” where he discussed the possibility of donning the purple and gold. DeRozan’s remarks have sparked speculation about whether the Lakers might finally secure his services after a previous attempt fell through in 2021.
### DeRozan’s Comments
DeRozan, an LA native who grew up idolizing Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, did not shy away from expressing his admiration for the franchise. When asked by ex-NBA veteran Chandler Parsons if he would consider playing for the Lakers, DeRozan responded, “Everybody knows I’m a Kobe guy at the end of the day…been a Laker fan since day one. You can’t never say no about playing home, especially for playing for a storied team like the Lakers. Time will tell, we’ll see where the cards fall. Until then, I’ll see what happens. I always want to be where I’m wanted. I know what I’m [gonna] do from there, so we’ll see how it plays out.”
These comments have reignited hopes among Lakers fans that DeRozan could soon be part of their team. DeRozan, who shined at Compton High School and later at USC before being drafted ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2009, has enjoyed a stellar 14-year career. He has played for the Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls, earning six All-Star selections and three All-NBA nods.
### Current Season Performance
DeRozan continues to perform at a high level. In the most recent season with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 24 points on 48 percent shooting from the field, 33 percent from three-point range, and 85 percent from the free-throw line. Additionally, he contributed 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Despite his individual success, the Bulls finished ninth in the Eastern Conference and were eliminated in the Play-in Tournament, raising questions about DeRozan’s future with the team.
### Past Lakers Pursuit
The Lakers have shown interest in DeRozan before. In 2021, they pursued him through a sign-and-trade deal with the Spurs. However, that deal fell apart when Russell Westbrook became available from the Washington Wizards. The Lakers opted for Westbrook, and DeRozan ended up signing with the Bulls. Despite this, the interest between DeRozan and the
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