Lakers Eye DeMar DeRozan After LeBrons Exit as Free-Agency Push Continues

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly keeping DeMar DeRozan on their radar as the 2026‑27 offseason unfolds. With LeBron James announcing he will leave the franchise, the Lakers have already made a string of roster moves and are pursuing free‑agent Jonathan Kuminga. If the Kuminga deal falls through, the team may turn to DeRozan, a California native who could accept a veteran‑minimum contract for a quasi‑homecoming.

LeBron’s departure opened the door for a major rebuild. After the star’s announcement on June 30, 2026, the Lakers re‑signed guard Austin Reaves, added forward Walker Kessler via a sign‑and‑trade with the Utah Jazz, and signed several free agents, including Colin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Ziarie Williams and Kevon Looney. The moves were aimed at creating a roster that can compete with the newly acquired Luka Dončić, who joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade in February 2025.

The Lakers’ top free‑agency target is Jonathan Kuminga, who is reportedly seeking a contract that would pay him at least $15 million per year. According to reports, the 23‑year‑old forward is still in negotiations with the Hawks, but the Lakers have expressed strong interest. If the team cannot match Kuminga’s demands, the next most viable option appears to be DeRozan.

DeRozan’s profile fits the Lakers’ needs in several ways. He was waived by the Sacramento Kings in a three‑team sign‑and‑trade deal in the 2024 offseason and entered unrestricted free agency. In the 2025‑26 season, DeRozan averaged more than 18 points per game and shot 49.7 percent from the field, making him one of the league’s most efficient scorers. According to NBA reporter Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, the Lakers have been mentioned alongside the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers as teams that could offer DeRozan a larger role than he had in Toronto.

However, the Lakers face financial constraints. NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin notes that the franchise could only offer the veteran minimum, which is unlikely to interest DeRozan. The 2026‑27 salary cap is $164,961,000, and the Lakers have limited cap space after the LeBron exit and the addition of Dončić. DeRozan, who is 36 in the upcoming season, would be a veteran who could provide depth and experience.

DeRozan’s California roots may also play a role. The former Raptors star was born in San Diego and has expressed a desire to play closer to home. If the Lakers can offer a minimum contract, DeRozan might consider it a homecoming opportunity, as suggested by reports that he could accept a lower salary for the chance to play in his home state.

The Lakers’ free‑agency strategy reflects a broader trend of teams balancing talent acquisition with cap management. The franchise’s recent roster moves—re‑signing Reaves, adding Kessler, and signing multiple free agents—demonstrate a willingness to build around Dončić while staying within financial limits. If the Kuminga deal does not materialize, DeRozan could become the next logical target, but the Lakers would still need to navigate the veteran minimum offer and the player’s willingness to accept it.

At this point, the Lakers have not formally approached DeRozan, and no official statements have been released. The team’s front office is reportedly evaluating all options as the 2026‑27 season approaches. The outcome will depend on the Lakers’ ability to secure cap space, the willingness of DeRozan to accept a minimum deal, and the success of negotiations with Kuminga.

In summary, the Lakers are actively pursuing free‑agency talent to complement Luka Dončić after LeBron James’ exit. Jonathan Kuminga remains the top target, but if that pursuit stalls, DeMar DeRozan could become a viable addition, especially if the franchise can offer a veteran‑minimum contract that appeals to the California native’s desire for a homecoming.