Snubbed by Klay Thompson, Lakers’ new target revealed: ‘He’s on LeBron’s list’

By Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Sports journalist

With the Klay Thompson deal falling through, the Lakers have to explore other avenues on the market. One of them, which LeBron James supposedly approved, would lead to another big name in the league.

For now, they are among the teams that have remained quiet during the first hours of free agency. At least from an external point of view, since the Lakers were firmly active to attract Klay Thompson to their nets. LeBron James, for example, contributed to it.without his efforts having been rewarded. The sniper’s signing with the Mavericks therefore forces him to turn to great alternatives.

Lakers on the trail of a big name on the way out

In addition to the Lakers’ strong interest in Thompson, Rob Pelinka and his assistants are trying to complete other equally notable projects. Negotiations are said to have taken place with a team from the West. to recruit a referenced player via a trade. At the same time, another free agent would be on the tablets of the Californian franchise, and not the least according to Brian Windhorst:

According to Brian Windhorst, the Lakers are expected to express interest in DeMar DeRozan.

Already announced several times on the Purple & Gold radar in recent years, DeRozan seems today more than ever on the way to the Bulls. A recent move from his franchise would have convinced him to change air according to Joe Cowley of Chicago Sun-Times :

Joe Cowley : A source told the Sun-Times late Sunday night that the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade was the final straw for DeRozan. At 34, he is unlikely to return to the franchise and will use his free-agent status to find a new home.

This point of no return reached in Chicago could therefore lead him to return to his hometown of Los Angeles, where the Clippers would also covet him elsewhere. That said, LeBron could influence his decision, he whose the list of targets for which he could make a big sacrifice would include the name DMDR according to Windhorst:

Brian Windhorst : I think there are more than three names on there. I think DeMar DeRozan is also on that list, and there could be one or more players.

Destined to leave the Bulls this summer, DeMar DeRozan could receive an offer from the Lakers in the coming hours. But despite LeBron James’ desire to recruit him, it’s not certain that his profile truly matches the needs of the Angelinos.