“DeMar DeRozan would choose a ring over making bag”: Free agent Guard is reported to show significant interest in joining LeBron James and the Lakers

Free-agent guard DeMar DeRozan shows ‘significant interest’ in taking a pay cut and joining the Lakers in pursuit of a championship

The 2020-21 NBA season concluded over 10 days ago. Two days ago, we had the 2021 NBA Draft, where 60 rookies got assigned to their new homes. With the draft done, the next step in the offseason is not too far away. The NBA free agency begins on August 2nd, 2021, at 6 PM ET.

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There are many players to keep an eye on during this free agency. One of the biggest names is Kawhi Leonard. He has the option to choose to be a free agent, should he decline his player option. A few more names on the list are Chris Paul (player option), Kyle Lowry (UFA), DeMar DeRozan (UFA), and Mike Conley (UFA). There are more notable names such as Lonzo Ball, Jarrett Allen, Duncan Robinson, and John Collins who would be restricted free agents heading into the offseason.

DeMar DeRozan shows ‘significant interest’ in joining the Lakers

Before his departure from the Raptors, DeMar DeRozan was an All-Star for three straight seasons. He was averaging career-high points and was the best player on the team. Ever since he joined the Spurs, his scoring has been affected, but not gone down by much. DeRozan has averaged a little over 21.5 points in his three seasons with the Spurs.

Ever since the season ended, there have been rumors about DeRozan and Kyle Lowry showing interest to join the Lakers. While the signing of Russell Westbrook reduced the chances of the same, there has been noise from DeRozan’s camp. Apparently, he is willing to take a significant pay cut to join LeBron James and the Lakers and compete for a championship.

There’s reportedly ‘significant interest’ from DeMar DeRozan to forgo higher salary opportunities elsewhere and join the Lakers in pursuit of a championship, per @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/hARjbjkjX6

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) July 31, 2021

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With DeRozan agreeing to take a cut, the Lakers may actually find a way to get him on board. It certainly would be worth keeping an eye on to see what Rob Pelinka and his front office pull off.