Chicago Bulls’ star DeMar DeRozan recently made waves by appearing in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video, following a joint stage performance with the rapper. The video has quickly garnered over a million views on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. This unexpected collaboration has sparked a flurry of speculation and mixed reactions among fans, particularly regarding DeRozan’s future in the NBA and the possibility of him joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
DeRozan’s appearance in the music video has led to a variety of social media reactions. Some fans reminisced about his past with the Toronto Raptors, while others speculated about his next career move. One fan humorously commented, “Drake must be crying right now,” referencing Lamar’s well-known feud with the Canadian rapper. Another fan noted, “Crazy after all those years in Toronto,” highlighting DeRozan’s long tenure with the Raptors before being traded.
The speculation about DeRozan’s future intensified with comments like, “Can the Lakers sign DeRozan already to make this even more epic,” reflecting the growing rumors of a potential move to Los Angeles. The Lakers, in need of reinforcements after missing out on other free agents like Klay Thompson and Jonas Valanciunas, are reportedly very interested in DeRozan. His high scoring average of 24 points per game last season makes him a valuable asset for any team.
However, the Lakers are not the only team eyeing DeRozan. The Sacramento Kings have reportedly discussed a potential sign-and-trade deal with the Bulls. Additionally, the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs are also in the mix. The Spurs, in particular, have a significant cap space advantage, which could play a crucial role in a potential bidding war for DeRozan’s services.
Despite the Bulls’ disappointing season, DeRozan maintained his high standards, shooting 48% from the field. This consistency makes him a highly sought-after player in the free agency market. The Lakers, with limited time and multiple teams interested, need to act quickly if they want to secure DeRozan.
The rumors surrounding DeRozan’s future are not new. He has previously expressed interest in returning to his hometown of Los Angeles to play for the Lakers, even if it means taking a pay cut. This sentiment adds fuel to the speculation that his recent appearance in Kendrick Lamar’s music video could be a subtle hint towards a future with the Lakers.
The free agency market this year is not as strong as previous years, but DeRozan stands out as one of the top unrestricted free agents. Other notable free agents include Kyle Lowry and Mike Conley. The potential for players like Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul to opt out of their contracts and become free agents could also shake things up, but for now, DeRozan remains a primary target for several teams.
For the Lakers, assembling a competitive roster for the upcoming season is crucial. They currently have six players under contract, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, they have several unrestricted free agents, such as Dennis Schroder and Alex Caruso, and restricted free agents like Talen Horton-Tucker. The Clippers, another team in Los Angeles, also have key players like Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Batum entering free agency.
Other interesting free agents include Spencer Dinwiddie, who has expressed interest in joining the Lakers, and Blake Griffin. The free agency market may not be as star-studded as in previous years, but there are still valuable players available who could make significant impacts on their new teams.
In conclusion, DeMar DeRozan’s cameo in Kendrick Lamar’s music video has not only entertained fans but also reignited discussions about his next NBA destination. With the Lakers and Spurs emerging as top contenders, the free agency landscape is set for an exciting and competitive period. As teams vie for DeRozan’s signature, his decision will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched developments in the NBA offseason.
Source: X/SportsCenter, Getty Images, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald
