Rumor: Lakers Interested In DeMar DeRozan

With NBA free agency about a month away, there has been no shortage of rumors and speculation. The latest word on the grapevine, however, is that the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in Spurs guard — and free agent — DeMar DeRozan, according to sports analyst Evan Massey.

Per the report, it would only be auspicious for the Lakers to acquire the four-time All-Star through a sign-and-trade. Otherwise, the 2020 NBA champions are bereft of cap space and DeRozan would have to settle for a veteran's minimum or a mid-level exception — and even that's pushing it.

The #Lakers do have interest in pursuing DeMar DeRozan this offseason in free agency, source tells @HoopAnalysisNet. A sign-and-trade for him would be necessary and very doable for L.A.
— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) July 6, 2021

DeRozan is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and while he hasn't dismissed returning to San Antonio, he is rumored to want a max contract. Also, the Spurs are trending toward a youth movement, centered around Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker. Unless San Antonio believes DeRozan can be the superstar that pushes them over the top, his tenure in a Spurs jersey is likely over.

San Antonio will likely be amenable when it comes to offers regarding the 31-year-old, but the Lakers have viable pieces to offer — most notably, Kyle Kuzma. In a recent interview with Bleacher Report, the 25-year-old said that he's capable of averaging 25 points and becoming an All-Star, lamenting that playing in an inconsistent role hinders one's capabilities.

Kyle Kuzma believes he’s capable of averaging 25 PPG and reaching All-Star status

"I definitely can. I definitely believe that, too. I don't really care what nobody thinks or says. I know myself, and I know my ability. It's hard to be consistent in an inconsistent role."

(B/R) pic.twitter.com/vot3ouASFC
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) July 8, 2021