NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Giving Up Julius Randle For DeMar Derozan?
Several NBA trade rumors are suggesting that Los Angeles Lakers are chasing DeMar Derozan of Toronto Raptors. The six-year veteran is definitely a good catch but his services might come with a huge price.
Reports have it that the Purple and Gold are aiming to sign the high scoring guard. However, the Raptors won't let him go without something significant in return.
ESPN's NBA Insider claimed that promising sophomore Julius Randle might be included in the package. The names of Jordan Clarkson, the team's best player right now stat-wise, and former Raptor Lou Williams were also dragged in to the rumors.
"The nuclear scenario," said Bradford Doolittle of ESPN. "Let's say the Raptors' read of DeRozan's intentions aren't as rosy as his public comments suggest. The Lakers are the most likely partner willing to provide enough value for Toronto to consider a move."
He also pointed out many factors why Lakers might succeed in signing the one-time All-Star player. First among these is his affinity to Los Angeles where he grew up. Then, there's Lakers' lucrative offer.
According to NBA trade rumors, LA Lakers will give Derozan an offer he can't refuse.
"A bunch of teams, including DeRozan's hometown Lakers, are prepared to offer him a max deal starting at $25 million per season, and the Raptors know they will have to spend big to keep him," said Zach Lowe also from ESPN.
Another rich franchise targeting Derozan is Brooklyn Nets.
"I can tell you he'll opt out. But how he feels about Brooklyn-or anybody else-I can't say. Only he can answer that,'' Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported.
With all the NBA trade rumors about his possible transfer to the Lakers' camp circulating, Derozan claimed that his only focus right now is to steer Toronto deep into the playoffs.
"I think I'm just excited for being in Toronto and people really getting a chance to see what Toronto is like," he told Toronto Sun last week.
