The Lakers are still in pursuit of DeMar DeRozan after losing Klay Thompson

Now that the purple and gold franchise has plenty of opportunity to trade Warriors legend Klay Thompson, and even former Philly guard Buddy Hield this week, they're going back to sign veteran DeMar DeRozan, as it's been confirmed that his time in Chicago has come. ending this summer.

However, it seems that playing in Los Angeles is no longer seen as the preferred destination for NBA stars, especially if they hope to compete for a league title. Despite this, the Lakers still need to strengthen their roster for next season if they hope to return to franchise history.

According to reports, the LA club is looking for a shooter or another high-quality scorer who can accompany the efforts of LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis. At this point, it looks like the former Bulls guard is the free agent they need.

BREAKING: The Lakers are reportedly “closing” a deal for 6-time NBA All Star Demar Derozan, @wojespn

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DeRozan, a Los Angeles native and USC product, recently averaged 24 points per game this past campaign in the Windy City. The six-time All-Star can still put up big numbers for any NBA club, and that's why the Lakers aren't a team interested in his services.

According to general manager Rob Pelinka, the club plans to remain aggressive in renewing the roster despite losing out to potential suitors last week. “I think we're going to be aggressive in trying to improve the system and we're not going to stop looking at what we can do,” he said. Athletic.

“This is the season to remember all the different things we can face to improve the program. So we are in the middle of that as we speak,” added Pelinka. “That will continue in the coming days, and it often spills over into Vegas, where all the GMs meet and mingle, and other deals are made. But we will always be aggressive.”

The 34-year-old player is also being followed by the Heat, Kings, and Bucks, but it seems to be a long way off as many dominoes need to fall into place for those places to make sense for him.

DeRozan currently has a number of options to choose from, as Miami, Sacramento and Los Angeles all appear to be possible destinations for the veteran point guard.

According to the Miami Herald, DeMar has already met with the Heat and discussed the possibility of redshirting next season, as there seems to be mutual interest between the two sides. However, there are issues that could delay veterans' negotiations.

In order to pull off this trade, the Florida club would have to trade a high-salary player to another club with cap space and free up DeRozan's spot. Popular rapper Ma$e, for example, doesn't believe Miami deserves a star guard.

“I think it will be just three more. They already have enough of the three… It's like loading the same site. They need four. They need another type of player,” he said It is what it is podcast this week.

The artist then told those in charge of his program about what he believed to be the best for the 34-year-old man. “If DeMar DeRozan comes to Milwaukee, that would be a great situation. Or if Bruce Brown can return to Denver that would be a great situation. Whoever comes to Denver, it's a great situation,” he said.