Derrick Rose knows it has been a week since the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA title after defeating the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the Finals. The Lakers haven’t even finished celebrating the franchise’s 17th championship yet, but general manager Rob Pelinka and the rest of the front office already faces some important decisions regarding next season’s lineup as the team looks to defend its title.

Aside from re-signing big man Anthony Davis, who has indicated that he wants to run it back with the team, another important decision that the Lakers need to make in the offseason is whether they should bring back or improve their backcourt. Rajon Rondo was an important part of the Lakers’ title run, averaging 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting 45.5% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc in 16 playoff games for Los Angeles. He was in full “Playoff Rondo” mode for the Lakers, giving his team a boost whenever he plays, whether as a facilitator, scorer, and even as a leader. 

However, the 34-year old’s strong playoff performances have also made him a target of other teams, with Rondo expected to decline his player option and opt out of his current contract with the Lakers to test free agency. If another team successfully pries Rondo away from the Lakers, one option would be Detroit Pistons guard Derrick Rose. 

The Lakers reportedly already had interest in trading for Rose earlier this year, but a deal was ultimately not made, with the former Most Valuable Player reportedly happy with his role in Detroit and the Lakers believing they could add a player on the buyout market, which turned out to be forward Markieff Morris. Reports, however, say that a deal between the two teams is more likely now. 

Derrick Rose, who has one year left in his current contract with Pistons, averaged 18.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists in 50 games last season, shooting 49% from the field and 30.6% from beyond the arc. If the Lakers are unable to bring back Rondo, the three-time All Star would be an upgrade at point guard, as he would provide the team with a second ball-handler to relieve LeBron James.

The 32-year old was James’ former teammate with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, but he played just 16 games before going to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Derrick Rose has played much better since joining the Pistons, and has also had fewer injuries. The question for the Lakers is whether they have enough assets to package in a trade to acquire the former Chicago Bulls guard. 

The Pistons will want to have young players in a potential deal with the Lakers, but Los Angeles only has two rotations players who are 26 years old or younger in Kyle Kuzma and Alex Caruso. According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Lakers would be more willing to include the 25-year old Kuzma in a potential deal for Derrick Rose, as it gives them more flexibility instead of renewing his contract, which expires at the end of next season.

“With Kuzma slated to hit restricted free agency next offseason, the Lakers will be more willing to move him. L.A. is hopeful of keeping its cap space clear for the 2021 free-agent market and signing Kuzma to a deal beyond his rookie contract would eat into that space and hurt L.A.’s chance of landing a free agent like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Bradley Beal.”

Aside from Kuzma, the Lakers also have players like Avery Bradley (player option) and Quinn Cook signed on team-friendly deals, in addition to having their first round draft picks in the 2020 and 2022 drafts. A package entered around those assets might be enough to get the Pistons to deal the former Rookie of the Year to the Lakers, unless another team swoops in with a more enticing offer. 

Rondo did an admirable job as a facilitator next to James or whenever he went to the bench, but if the Lakers cannot re-sign him, then trading for Rose would be an upgrade at the position.  Rose has battled injuries in the past, and is not the same player he was when he became the league’s youngest MVP. But his ability to score and run the offense would be invaluable for the Lakers, who need an upgrade at backcourt. 

Derrick Rose played in 46 postseason games with the Bulls and Timberwolves. This would be his best chance to win a championship since he led the Tom Thibodeau-coached Bulls to the top of the East nearly a decade ago.