DeMar DeRozan could forgo higher salary opportunities to join Lakers in pursuit of championship?

The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for another title run after acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards earlier this week. It appears the 2020 NBA champions could also land several other big-name free agents this summer.

Multiple league personnel contacted by Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer expect there to be significant interest from several veterans, including DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and Carmelo Anthony, to forgo higher salary opportunities and join the Lakers in pursuit of a championship following the team's trade for Westbrook. 

Brad Turner of The Los Angeles Times reported earlier this week that DeRozan was interested in joining the Lakers. He grew up in California and also played his lone collegiate season at USC. 

If DeRozan were to join the Lakers, they'd boast a starting lineup including Westbrook, DeRozan, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, which would be nearly unbeatable. 

DeRozan has spent the last three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. During the 2020-21 campaign, he averaged 21.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. 

The 31-year-old is a free agent after finishing up a five-year, $139 million contract.