Spurs Star DeMar DeRozan Reacts to Lakers Trade Rumors
DeMar DeRozan recently gave comments about possibly suiting up for the Lakers. (Photo via ESPN/YouTube)
The San Antonio Spurs have popped up in recent headlines with speculation they’ll rebuild this NBA offseason. Part of that plan could very well involve moving their top stars, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan. During a recent podcast appearance, DeRozan gave his thoughts on being mentioned in Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors.
DeRozan Comments on Lakers Trade Rumors
Four-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan was a guest on Showtime Basketball’s All The Smoke Podcast hosted by former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. During the show, Barnes brought up how “rumors swirl in the offseason” and asked DeRozan his thoughts on possibly playing for the Lakers.
“I know you’re a Spur, but growing up did you ever picture yourself in that purple and gold?” Barnes asked DeRozan who grew up in Los Angeles.
“Of course, no question,” DeRozan answered definitively. Jackson, a former member of the Spurs during his time in the league, joked that Barnes wanted to play there too.
“Without a doubt, you always had those dreams of doing it. For me, it’s look, I’ve learned being in the league so long…you always want to be wanted. So when you see things about teams wanting you, you can’t feel a certain type of way, you better feel good about it,” DeRozan said.
DeRozan also said that no matter where he might play next season or in his career, he’ll give his all.
“Whatever jersey I put on, I’m gonna lay it out on the line and represent,” he said.
DeRozan Speculation Involves Kuzma, Green
As previously mentioned, those swirling Lakers trade rumors involve DeMar DeRozan in a deal that would bring Danny Green and Kyle Kuzma to the San Antonio Spurs. It would give Los Angeles a “Big Three” consisting of stars LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and DeMar DeRozan.
Meanwhile, it would put the San Antonio Spurs into rebuild mode. The team is also said to be shopping Patty Mills. There may also be some interest in LaMarcus Aldridge from the Golden State Warriors. Alridge has been with San Antonio since the 2015-16 NBA season.
DeRozan has spent the past two seasons in San Antonio after coming over in a trade from the Toronto Raptors. That deal sent Kawhi Leonard to Toronto where he won another NBA Championship and Finals MVP Award. It was bittersweet for DeRozan who spent nine seasons playing in Toronto but could never get close to a title. However, he finally saw many of his old teammates win a ring. With the Lakers, he could have his best shot in years.
DeMar’s averages with the Spurs have included 21.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, all of which are career-best averages compared to his overall averages with the Raptors. While many San Antonio fans would be sad to see him go, it’s clear he’d be absolutely fine with the major team from his hometown area that he pictured himself playing for.
For more updates on San Antonio’s players and team, visit our Spurs news page.