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The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly did not offer DeMar DeRozan a contract or propose a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls before the star forward joined the Sacramento Kings, per The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania.
“I’m told the Lakers never went beyond expressing just simple interest in DeRozan,” Charania said. “There were no offers or tangible conversations with the Bulls on a sign-and-trade deal.”
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“It was really down to the Kings and Heat as far as DeMar DeRozan’s new home … I’m told the Lakers never went beyond expressing simple interest in DeRozan.”
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania gives us the latest on DeMar DeRozan. pic.twitter.com/F7OUBNMx0Y
DeRozan ultimately landed with the Kings via a three-year, $74 million sign-and-trade on Saturday.
The move not only makes Sacramento a legitimate candidate to compete in the West, but it also pulls arguably the best remaining free agent off the board, leaving the Lakers with nothing to show for so far this offseason.
It continues what has been a forgettable offseason for Los Angeles after the team failed to land Golden State Warriors free agent Klay Thompson, who joined another Western Conference contender in the Dallas Mavericks.
Per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers also targeted Jonas Valančiūnas and James Harden in free agency. Valančiūnas signed with the Washington Wizards while Harden re-signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The lack of aggression in free agency could end up hurting L.A. as it will bring back mostly the same roster next season barring any trades or signings this offseason. That roster folded to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.
The Lakers added some talent in the draft, selecting Tennessee star Dalton Knecht with their first-round pick, but it seems unlikely a rookie would make a huge impact on the team’s NBA Finals dreams.
Los Angeles could still bring in a free agent or two this offseason, but there aren’t many left who would move the needle much next season.
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