After averaging 24 points per game for the Chicago Bulls, scoring sensation and Lakers’ transfer target – DeMar DeRozan – is set to become a free agent this summer. As one of the most sought-after names in the NBA Free Agency 2024 market, DeMar DeRozan has drawn the attention of many teams.

Two top contenders in the race are the Chicago Bulls, DeMar’s current team since 2021, and the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that has been pursuing DeRozan for some time. After the Chicago Bulls lost in the play-in game and failed to reach the NBA Playoffs 2024, DeMar DeRozan’s future has become a hot topic among fans.

The 1989-born player expressed his desire to stay in Chicago and continue chasing playoff goals with his teammates: “For the past three years, everyone here in Chicago has embraced and welcomed me. This city is amazing, and the team is a great organization. Considering the recent circumstances, I think Chicago would be where I want to return if given the opportunity. We have unfinished business here, and I hope I get the chance to accomplish that.”

However, DeRozan has also left the door open to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, his hometown team. “Born and raised in Los Angeles, I’ve been a supporter of Kobe Bryant as well as a Lakers fan since I was very young. It’s hard to turn down the opportunity to play for a Los Angeles team, especially a club with such rich tradition as the LA Lakers. I know there’s a lot of speculation going on right now, and time will answer everything. Let’s see where things go in the coming months,” DeRozan shared on FanDuel.

DeMar DeRozan could contribute to the Los Angeles Lakers in many aspects, but he’s not the solution to the biggest problem the purple and gold team faced in the past season. The Lakers ranked among the teams with the fewest three-pointers made and one of the lowest three-point shooting percentages in the NBA. They stood at 27th in total three-point attempts (31.4 attempts) and 24th out of 30 NBA teams in three-pointers made per game (11.8 made).

This statistic significantly dropped during the postseason, landing them last among the 16 playoff teams in the NBA Playoffs 2024. DeRozan is a scoring star, but his strength lies in mid-range shooting or close-range finishing. Throughout his career, DeMar has only managed a 29.6% three-point shooting success rate.

Another hurdle between DeMar DeRozan and the Los Angeles Lakers is the flexibility in salary cap space. DeRozan is seeking a lucrative, long-term contract. This is why he hasn’t found common ground with the Chicago Bulls, as the team is only looking to sign him for an additional two years, with a salary of around $40 million per season. As for the Los Angeles Lakers, they currently lack the financial resources to afford a big-name star from the free agency market. The most feasible option might be a sign-and-trade deal instead of a free agency contract.

A compromise point to reconcile the interests of both parties could be a sign-and-trade deal orchestrated by the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls, bringing DeMar DeRozan back to play for his hometown team. In the just-concluded season, DeMar DeRozan averaged 24.0 points (48.0% FG) and 5.3 assists per game in 79 appearances for Chicago, all from the starting lineup.

If DeMar is looking for a team with a chance to compete for a championship, the Los Angeles Lakers would be a better choice than the Chicago Bulls. This is a major advantage alongside the sentimental aspect of playing for the hometown team, which is also one of the most storied clubs in the league.