Lakers News: DeMar DeRozan Calls Out Lakers for Snubbing Him

DeMar DeRozan, a six-time NBA All-Star and Compton native, recently voiced his disappointment over the Los Angeles Lakers' decision not to sign him during free agency. DeRozan had long hoped to join his hometown team, especially after expressing interest in forming a "Big Three" alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis during the 2021 offseason. However, instead of pursuing DeRozan, the Lakers opted for Russell Westbrook, leading DeRozan to sign a three-year, $81.9 million deal with the Chicago Bulls.

Reflecting on the situation, DeRozan acknowledged that things don't always work out as planned, signaling his understanding of the complexities behind team decisions.

“Obviously I have my selfish reasons of wanting to be able to play at home, (but) sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way,” DeRozan said via The Athletic . "And sometimes it probably isn’t the best decision for me either. So after that didn’t happen, I didn’t dwell on it. I wasn’t mad. They made their choice, and I just left it at that.”

Despite missing out on the Lakers, DeRozan had a highly successful tenure with the Bulls, earning another All-Star selection and showcasing his talents. When he entered free agency again this summer, there was some interest from the Lakers, but the team ultimately passed once more. This led DeRozan to sign a three-year contract worth $73.9 million with the Sacramento Kings.

DeRozan expressed excitement about joining the Kings, believing he could be "the missing piece" to help elevate their competitive standing. Reflecting on his past negotiations with the Lakers, DeRozan admitted, “I didn’t have high hopes because you already see how it could play out,” acknowledging his tempered expectations after previous discussions.

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Now, as DeRozan begins a new chapter in Sacramento, he teams up with All-Stars De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, aiming to play a crucial role in the Kings’ pursuit of success. The contrast between his enthusiasm for this opportunity and his disappointment with the Lakers highlights a key moment in his career, underscoring the unpredictability of NBA trades and free agency decisions.

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