NBA Rumors: Lakers Almost Landed DeRozan Before Westbrook Blockbuster Deal Came Out

Most know that the Los Angeles Lakers had several targets in mind for the coming NBA season. A third superstar was on their radar with names like Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan among them.

But as most know by now, the Lakers ended up acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. It was a blockbuster deal that saw Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and their no. 22 pick (who turned out to be Isaiah Jackson of Kentucky).

The Wizards also sent their 2024 and 2028 second-round picks to the Lakers to go with Westbrook.

However, it seems that if the Lakers failed to land the 2017 NBA MVP, there was another player already close to joining the purple and gold.

DeRozan was allegedly already in talks with LeBron James but the Westbrook deal snuffed all hopes of seeing him join the Lakers. That possibility is now off since the sign-and-trade centered on Kyle Kuzma was what would have brought the 31-year-old to Hollywood, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported.

The coming of Westbrook is big for the Lakers. However, it still raises questions – especially if the 9-time All-Star plays simultaneously with James and Anthony Davis.

Ball sharing is the main concern with Westbrook and James known to want the ball majority in their hands. However, it does mean that the Lakers will have more scoring opportunities.

Another thing the Lakers need to address is their backup crew. With Kuzma, Caldwell-Pope and Harrell gone, Los Angeles will be left to settle for players willing to join the team on minimum deals. That could come in the form of veterans or young players who general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach Frank Vogel will select.

One veteran that comes to mind is Carmelo Anthony. With his time in Portland likely up, his connection with James could see him finally reuniting with his good friend.

While Anthony’s chances of winning an NBA title could be as good as ever, he would have to take a huge hit financially to join the purple and gold.