The Los Angeles Lakers are 10–4 and navigating this stretch without LeBron James, who has been ramping up activity with the South Bay Lakers as he rehabs a sciatica issue. The strong start has eased early-season tension, but the roster still shows clear areas where help might be needed. Athletic teams give them trouble. Half-court creation dries up when the offense bogs down. And the group could use one more steady scorer as the schedule intensifies.
This leads to Rohan Brahmbhatt of ClutchPoints recently floating the idea, suggesting in his latest trade-destinations piece that the Lakers should finally explore a move for DeMar DeRozan — a longtime target who may soon be among the more attainable veterans on the market.
By contrast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has pushed back on that type of move, arguing that Los Angeles should prioritize players who fit the timeline of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves rather than short-term veteran scorers.
Lakers Named Logical Destination for DeRozan
The Sacramento Kings look like a team drifting toward a reset. Their 3–11 record reflects a roster that doesn’t fit, doesn’t defend and doesn’t have the athleticism required in today’s game. The mix of DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and Russell Westbrook has created a clunky offensive hierarchy and major defensive limitations, and the results so far have been discouraging.
In that context, DeRozan stands out as the most logical player to move first. With an expiring deal, steady production in his mid-30s, and a scoring profile contenders trust, DeRozan remains one of the more movable veterans on the market. Through 13 games, he is averaging 18.2 points, 3.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds, while shooting efficiently from the field and showing newfound confidence from deep.
If Sacramento embraces a rebuild, he is the easiest veteran to flip for draft capital or flexible contracts.
Brian Windhorst Offers a Different View
While Brahmbhatt makes a strong case for why DeRozan could help Los Angeles, Brian Windhorst believes the franchise should approach the trade deadline with a different mindset.
In a recent segment, Windhorst argued that the Lakers should be targeting players who align with Doncic and Reaves’ timeline — not LeBron’s. He used Herb Jones as a model for the type of player they should pursue: a mid-20s perimeter defender who can shoot, switch and grow with their future core.
Windhorst clarified that DeRozan would absolutely help the Lakers this season. But he questioned whether adding an older, ball-dominant scorer fits where Los Angeles is headed long term. If the Lakers traded for DeRozan “this afternoon,” Windhorst said it would generate massive headlines, yet might not be the type of move the front office should prioritize as they look beyond LeBron’s window.
His point was simple: Los Angeles needs to think several years ahead, not several months.
Why DeRozan Could Help the Lakers Immediately
From the Lakers’ perspective, DeRozan’s value lies in his ability to steady an offense. He controls tempo, creates shots from the mid-range with ease and thrives in late-clock moments where structure breaks down. Those skills matter for a team that sometimes leans too heavily on Doncic and Reaves to orchestrate every possession.
DeRozan can guide second units, absorb scoring responsibilities when lineups get thin and give Los Angeles another dependable option in the half court. Brahmbhatt even argues that he would immediately become the Lakers’ “second-most reliable perimeter scorer,” filling a gap that has lingered for several seasons.
The upside is clear: adding a player who can generate 15–20 points without compromising the flow would take considerable pressure off the stars and help stabilize the offense during playoff-style stretches.
Why the Fit Is Not Perfect for Los Angeles
Getty Luka Doncic Lakers reacts after a dunk.
There are real questions to consider. The Lakers need more perimeter defense before anything else, and DeRozan does not solve that concern. They also already have several high-usage creators, and introducing another ball-dominant piece could complicate spacing and decision-making.
Past evidence matters as well. His partnership with LaVine in Chicago had a defined ceiling, and the Sabonis pairing in Sacramento has highlighted similar issues. Doncic’s on-ball style demands a certain ecosystem around him, and the Lakers will need to evaluate how DeRozan fits next to a superstar who dictates possessions at such a high rate.
Any deal would also come with a cost. Salary matching could start with Jarred Vanderbilt, or be built from smaller pieces if Sacramento prefers flexibility. The price is reasonable, but still significant for an expiring contract.
Why the Storyline Still Makes Sense
Even with the concerns, the narrative linking DeRozan to the Lakers is impossible to ignore. He’s an L.A. native who starred at USC, and he has spoken openly about wanting to play for the franchise in the past. With LeBron nearing 41 and still performing at an elite level, this may be one of DeRozan’s final real windows to join a contender in a meaningful role.
A closing lineup featuring LeBron, Doncic, Reaves and DeRozan would be loaded with experience and half-court creation. The idea of adding another reliable scorer alongside two stars who draw so much defensive attention is hard to dismiss, especially for a team that wants to be more matchup-proof in the playoffs.
This connection has hovered around the Lakers for years, and in a season where the timing finally aligns, it is resurfacing again with understandable momentum.
What Comes Next for the Lakers
Nothing is imminent. The Lakers are winning, getting healthier and still learning their identity under JJ Redick. But they also understand the importance of maximizing LeBron’s late-career window while giving Doncic the type of support that allows him to thrive deep into the calendar.
If the Kings decide to offload veterans, DeRozan becomes one of the most practical names on the market. His production is strong, the cost is reasonable and the fit — while not flawless — offers enough upside to justify internal discussion.
Whether Los Angeles ultimately makes the call is another matter. For now, the idea remains exactly what it has always been: a move that makes enough sense to stay on the radar, especially if Sacramento finally embraces a full teardown.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post NBA Analyst Warns Lakers Not To Make This Trade Move appeared first on Heavy Sports.