DeMar DeRozan flattered by Lakers' interest in him

DeMar DeRozan is flattered that his hometown Lakers are interested in acquring him. Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

DeMar DeRozan flattered that Lakers are interested in acquiring him

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/15/20

The Los Angeles Lakers are always in search of star players to add to their already-loaded lineup. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Sunday that L.A. plans to trade for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dennis Schroder, but he's not the only player they're reportedly interested in.

The Lakers have been linked to DeMar DeRozan for a while now, and the native of Compton and lifelong Kobe Bryant fan is flattered that his hometown team is interested in acquiring him. Quite frankly, it seems like he hopes Rob Pelinka makes the move.

DeMar DeRozan on the Lakers being brought up in trade rumors:

“Damn, my hometown team wants me.. that’s crazy to me”

#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/wpGMEF6Q8E
— The Laker Files (@LakerFiles) November 13, 2020

DeRozan can become a free agent this summer or opt in to his contract for another season with the San Antonio Spurs, where he's played since the trade that brought Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors.

After missing the playoffs last season for the first time in 20 years, the Spurs appear ready to shift into rebuilding mode, which means DeRozan could very well be on the table in trade discussions.

The 31-year-old still has plenty to give, and he would make the Lakers even more unbeatable than they already are. DeRozan, a four-time All-Star, averaged 22.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 53.1 percent from the field and 25.7 percent from beyond the arc.

If DeRozan joins the Lakers at some point, it's all but certain that Kyle Kuzma would be on his way out as part of a trade package.

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