DeMar DeRozan is set to enter unrestricted free agency this summer. After spending the past three seasons with the Chicago Bulls, he could once again be on the move. The six-time All-Star recently revealed that he is open to joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
Speaking on the Run It Back podcast, DeRozan was asked about joining his hometown team, responding:
When I was a kid, everybody knows I’m a Kobe guy, at the end of the day. Always been a Kobe guy. Been a Lakers fan since day one. You can’t never say no about playing home, especially to playing for a historic team like the Lakers.
Time will tell. We’ll see where the cards fall. Until then, I’ll see what happens. I always want to be where I’m wanted. I know what I’m going to do from there so we’ll see how it plays out.
DeRozan continued to play at a high level in 2023-24, his 15th season in the league. He averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. He shot 48.0% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range and 85.3% from the free-throw line.
DeMar DeRozan weighs in on playing another five years
DeMar DeRozan has had a very successful playing career that will likely land him in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His 23,582 points are 31st all-time, with only Hall of Famers or future Hall of Famers ahead of him. While he continues to play at a high level, he does not want to play another five seasons.
Speaking on the Run It Back podcast, the six-time All-Star stated:
I’m going to be honest with you, I don’t want to play 20 years. I don’t. Just from the standpoint of missing my kids. I kind of love being normal at times. 20 is a lot, and I care too much for the game. I would never want to cheat the game and I think by the time I get to year-20… nah.
While DeRozan may not want to play another five seasons, it is not out of the realm of possibilities. He continued to play at a high level in his 15th season and will likely land a multi-year deal this offseason. If the six-time All-Star lands a three-year deal, which many expect, it will take him through his 18th season.
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