DeMar DeRozan seems thrilled to be teaming up with Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls. A couple months removed from his whirlwind dip into free agency, though, it appears at least a small part of the four-time All-Star still wonders what it would've been like to play with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Asked by Shams Charania of The Athletic and STADIUM to describe the tenor of his talks with James and the Lakers during free agency, DeRozan had nothing but “great” things to say about them—not to mention the prospect of suiting up in forum blue and gold altogether.
New Bulls star DeMar DeRozan sits down with @Stadium: “I haven’t played with a talent at that wing position like Zach (LaVine). I want to put everything I’ve been through in my career, share that with him, win together.” Also: Lakers, disrespect in free agency, being more vocal. pic.twitter.com/3dWWSZY5PC
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 8, 2021
“They was great, honestly. Tried to make it work, had plenty of conversations with Bron. Tried to make it work…just didn't work. You know how the business goes. One thing can just change the whole dynamic on everything. But it was a hell of an opportunity that we tried to make happen. Me bring from LA would've been crazy, but some things just don't work out. It's always great just to have the opportunity.”
Los Angeles' big offseason move—largely orchestrated by James and Anthony Davis, remember—was ultimately trading for Russell Westbrook, another high-priced All-Star with local roots. About a week after news of the Lakers' trade for Westbrook broke, reports emerged that DeRozan had agreed to a three-year, $85 million contract with Chicago and would be dealt to the Bulls via sign-and-trade.
DeRozan, 32, did extremely well in free agency by getting what could be his last massive contract, and is clearly happy to have landed with the rebuilt Bulls. Like a lot of players who grew up in Southern California, though, his dreams of playing with the Lakers seem to persist.
Follow Us
Subscribe