3 Reasons why DeMar DeRozan should go to LA Lakers

2. DeMar DeRozan gets to play for his hometown

LeBron James #23 and DeMar DeRozan #10 react to a call.

Going to the LA Lakers would be a dream come true for DeMar DeRozan because it allows him the opportunity to play in front of family and friends. The four-time All-Star was born and raised in Southern California, where he attended Compton High School and later played at USC during his lone collegiate season in 2008-09.

In an interview with Shannon Sharpe on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, DeMar DeRozan spoke about his desire to return to his roots.

“You can’t ask a kid if they want to play at home (and think) they’ll say no,” DeRozan said. “At some point, you will definitely want to have that opportunity, and especially if they want you. Why not? It’s a great opportunity.”

DeMar DeRozan is willing to take pay cut to join his hometown Lakers, according to @BA_Turner. https://t.co/dkqGdS1HrN pic.twitter.com/DnXAgG8VCC

— Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN) July 23, 2021

For his dream to come true, DeRozan will have to take a huge pay cut to play for the LA Lakers. Based on recent rumors, it looks like he’s ready to do just that for the sake of coming home, but it’s up to him to make it happen.

1. Playing for the LA Lakers gives DeMar DeRozan the best of both worlds

DeMar DeRozan #10 drives on PJ.Washington #25.

Wearing an LA Lakers uniform presents DeMar DeRozan with a unique opportunity, one that was not possible earlier in his career and a few years ago. During the first half of his career, Kobe Bryant was playing the same position as he did on the Lakers so coming home to Los Angeles would not have been a good fit for him.

Once Bryant retired, the LA Lakers weren’t in shape to win the title and were not even a playoff team. Once LeBron and AD arrived in Tinseltown, the Lakers were in prime position to give him the best of both worlds—an opportunity to play at home and possibly win a title at the same time.

The LA Clippers would have been the other team to provide him with a shot to accomplish those two things, but the injury to Kawhi Leonard, which takes him out for essentially an entire season, disqualifies them from being relevant to DeRozan’s dreams coming true.

"I would circle the Lakers as a possible destination [for DeMar DeRozan] just because it fits as far as: To go back home and playing for a championship level team"—@BobbyMarks42#TheJumppic.twitter.com/UDSvcVuhwZ

— The Jump on ESPN (@NBATheJump) July 27, 2021

With DeMar DeRozan on the roster, the LA Lakers are getting a shot creator and playmaker all rolled into one. Last season, DeRozan evolved into a floor general and averaged a career-high 6.9 assists per game for the Spurs.

Though he still doesn’t solve their 3-point shooting problem, DeRozan is the answer to their lack of a playmaker to ease the burden off of James’ shoulders, and give the Lakers another creator.

Off the court, DeRozan will be closer to his basketball camp in Compton and other charity work that he does for the community. The fact that he can do these while competing for a title close by is such an excellent opportunity that he dare not pass up.

DeMar DeRozan has everything going for him if he were to wear the LA Lakers’ purple and gold. It’s time for him to come home and win that championship he has coveted for so long.

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