Lakers Trade Idea: DeMar DeRozan to LA Without Moving LeBron or Doncic

DeMar DeRozan turns 37 before next season starts, and the Los Angeles Lakers are running out of time to determine how many years LeBron James has left. This urgency is pushing the franchise toward a different kind of acquisition: not youth or upside, but a proven scorer who delivers consistently. A mock trade floated by Sports Illustrated's Gray Deyo would send DeRozan from the Sacramento Kings to Los Angeles without involving James or Luka Doncic.

Proposed Trade Details

Gray Deyo of Sports Illustrated proposed a mock trade that would send DeMar DeRozan and Drew Eubanks from the Sacramento Kings to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, the Lakers would send Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, and a top-4 protected 2030 first-round pick to Sacramento. DeRozan, currently 36, is averaging 19.2 points on 50.6% shooting this season and is owed approximately $25.7 million next year, with $10 million guaranteed. Notably, the deal would not require moving LeBron James or Luka Doncic.

Lakers' Latest Trade Idea Brings Six-Time All-Star Alongside Luka Doncic

DeRozan is not declining in any way that shows up on the stat sheet. He played 77 games this season, marking his fifth straight year clearing 70 appearances, and he has never dipped below 60 games in a season outside his rookie year.

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His 18.4 points per game last season was a 13-year low for him, and it still would have led most NBA benches. Deyo's pitch leans on that reliability: an efficient scorer with seven years of playoff experience who thrives in exactly the slow, half-court possessions that the playoffs produce. Pairing him with Doncic gives the Lakers a second read in crunch time without disturbing the James-Doncic core.

What Insiders Are Saying About DeMar DeRozan's Potential Trade

The proposed deal centers on a straightforward premise. Los Angeles would add a proven scorer capable of operating in half-court settings, an area that often becomes decisive during playoff basketball. According to Sports Illustrated's Gray Deyo, DeRozan's experience and offensive efficiency make him an intriguing fit next to Doncic. The veteran forward has appeared in at least 70 games in each of the past five seasons and played 77 games for Sacramento last season. Durability remains one of his strongest selling points.

What DeMar DeRozan's Trade Would Mean for the Lakers

For Los Angeles, the acquisition would signal an all-in approach around Doncic and James. DeRozan thrives in isolation and mid-range situations, areas that become increasingly valuable during postseason play. Eubanks would also fill a depth need in the frontcourt, providing another rotational center option. The challenge would be balancing touches among Doncic, James, Austin Reaves, and DeRozan.

What DeMar DeRozan's Trade Would Mean for the Kings

Sacramento's benefit comes through long-term flexibility. DeRozan is not viewed as a foundational piece for the franchise's future, making this type of deal attractive if the organization chooses a different direction. Knecht and LaRavia are both 24 years old and could receive expanded opportunities in larger roles. Adding a future first-round pick would further strengthen the Kings' rebuilding assets.

DeMar DeRozan's Salary Cap and Contract Details

DeRozan is in the middle of a three-year contract worth approximately $74 million. He is owed around $25.7 million next season, though only $10 million is initially guaranteed. That structure makes him one of the more movable veteran contracts available this offseason and helps explain why his name continues to surface in trade discussions.

DeMar DeRozan's Stats

DeRozan remains productive despite being one of the league's oldest high-usage wings.

The Lakers have not completed any deal, and this remains a hypothetical trade scenario. Still, as Los Angeles searches for veteran help around Luka Doncic, DeRozan stands out as one of the most realistic high-profile options available this summer.