The NBA free agency pool could have a lot of big names this upcoming offseason as a number of players will opt out of their contracts in favor of bigger deals with the expanding salary caps. Players will look to capitalize on the increase in money instead of later which means plenty of marquee names are up for grabs. One of those is expected to be DeMar DeRozan and the Los Angeles Lakers are lining up for first pick.
First and foremost, DeRozan has not said a word about his potential of being a free agent and will not discuss his contract as he plays for the Toronto Raptors. However, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported DeRozan is a lock to opt out and try to capitalize on a big deal. Zach Lowe of ESPN followed that report up by saying the Los Angeles Lakers will offer DeRozan a max contract.
DeRozan has said all of the right things to the media. He has stressed his love for the Toronto Raptors and his desire to remain with the franchise moving forward. However, money could be the louder voice. If DeRozan does not opt out, he is set to earn $10 million in the final year of his contract. Lowe reports that if the star becomes a free agent, a max contract for him is worth four years and $100 million. The Los Angeles will have the cap space to sign him to a deal of that size and with Kobe Bryant departing, they have a need for DeRozan. It is important to remember that DeRozan is a fan favorite and his connection with Kyle Lowry has brought a lot of success. However, DeRozan is from California and played his college ball at USC. The Lakers are a good fit.
According to general manager Mitch Kupchak, the Lakers will be very active in free agency. The team would like to sign a big name to help guide the young, core group of players already in place. According to the Los Angeles Daily News, the Lakers were aiming to be a frontrunner for Kevin Durant. The issue is that every other team has the same plan. Like DeRozan, Durant has not spoken about his free agency future or given any hints about what direction he intends to go in. The Lakers may feel DeRozan is a more attainable option than Durant will be.
Al Horford, Bradley Beal and Harrison Barnes are three other free agents the Lakers could consider looking at while also needing to make a decision about bringing back Jordan Clarkson. The point guard represents the core group of players the Lakers want to develop, but he will be aiming to get paid this offseason. With D'Angelo Russell on the rise, the Lakers might not be inclined to give Clarkson the money he is worth. The team has a lot of question marks next offseason and a deal for DeRozan is just one of them.
