NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Not Exploring Blockbuster Deal, But Like DeMar DeRozan

NBA Trade Rumors: The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t entertained the possibility of a blockbuster deal, but are very much interested in DeMar DeRozan

Perhaps with a little more rumor than truth, during the summer the Los Angeles Lakers entertained the possibility of trading for DeMarcus Cousins. Ultimately – and obviously – it didn’t happen. But there were discussions, reportedly.

If such deal would’ve materialized, it definitely would’ve qualified as a “blockbuster” deal. But, of course, that’s playing the “if” and “but” game. Now, without a proven centerpiece of a franchise, the Lakers’ struggle continues.

The team is 8-30 and not close to turning the corner on the year. Management even went all the way to say that they’ve essentially decided to throw the season in order to celebrate Kobe Bryant‘s final season in the NBA. Smart, huh.

But as the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Lakers have the opportunity to jump back into rumor mill. Maybe not chasing Cousins again, but they definitely have their fair share of assets if they wanted to make a deal.

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However, according to Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak the team has no plans in exploring a huge trade right now.

"[via Silver Screen and Roll]As far as any fans hoping for a big trade to fix the Lakers’ problems in the middle of the season, Kupchak quashed that idea, saying, “I suspect that there will be more activity going forward, but I wouldn’t suspect a blockbuster deal.”"

And that makes sense. It would be quite stupid for the Lakers to trade any of their young assets right now. Too early for that type of talk. And even if they wanted to trade one of their young pieces, they would be dumb to do anything before this year’s NBA Draft, where they’re projected to have a top 3 pick right now.

Interestingly, in a report from the Toronto Sun, it was revealed that the Lakers, who could be huge players in free agency this summer, have always had interest in DeMar DeRozan, who is expected to opt out of his contract in order to test the open market.

"[via Toronto Sun]While his hometown Lakers surely will be one of those suitors — they long have had interest in the swingman — DeRozan has always been fiercely loyal to the organization that drafted him, paid him what at the time was considered above market value on an extension (eventually it became one of the shrewdest bargains of then general manager Bryan Colangelo’s career) and made him the face of the franchise. He loves the city and the fanbase arguably much more than Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter or Chris Bosh ever did."

With the recent trend of NBA players returning to play for their hometown, most recently LeBron James, it makes sense. That’s of course if DeRozan even wants to play for his hometown Lakers.

Nevertheless, DeRozan is going to have his fair share of options this summer. Although, if loyalty is as important as reports indicate for him, if the Raptors want him back there might not even be a decision for DeRozan to be had.

At the end of the day, the Lakers could be left at the alter again this summer.