DeMar DeRozan, a veteran NBA All-Star guard, is set to enter his 16th season in the league, now playing for his fourth team after being traded to the Sacramento Kings from the Chicago Bulls. The move to the Kings places DeRozan in his home state of Southern California for the first time in his career, offering him the opportunity to play closer to home. At 35 years old, DeRozan will be a key player for the Kings as they aim to establish themselves as a contender in the Western Conference and the league as a whole, alongside young stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
DeRozan recently revealed that he believed he was on the brink of joining the Los Angeles Lakers before they ultimately traded for Russell Westbrook in the 2021 offseason. In an interview with The Athletic’s Sam Amick, DeRozan expressed a mix of disappointment and understanding regarding the situation, acknowledging that sometimes things don’t work out as planned in the NBA. Despite wanting to play for his hometown team, DeRozan chose not to dwell on the missed opportunity and instead signed a lucrative deal with the Chicago Bulls through a sign-and-trade arrangement.
Having missed out on a chance to join the Lakers in 2021, DeRozan found himself in a similar situation three years later when the team was unable to make a move for him due to a lack of available space. Despite some initial hopes about the possibility of playing for the Lakers, DeRozan maintained a realistic perspective on the situation, recognizing that things don’t always unfold as expected in the NBA. Ultimately, DeRozan signed with the Kings this past summer, further solidifying his career path away from his hometown team and indicating that playing for the Lakers may remain out of reach for him in the future.
DeRozan’s move to the Kings represents a new chapter in his career, offering him the opportunity to contribute to a team on the rise and potentially guide them to greater success in the competitive Western Conference. As a seasoned veteran with six All-Star appearances to his name, DeRozan brings valuable experience and leadership to the Kings roster, which includes promising young talent in Fox and Sabonis. With DeRozan’s skills and capabilities on the court, the Kings have the potential to become a formidable force in the league under his guidance.
While the missed opportunity to join the Lakers may linger as a disappointment for DeRozan, he remains focused on making a positive impact on his new team and helping them achieve their goals in the upcoming season. The veteran guard’s resilience and determination to succeed, even in the face of setbacks and missed opportunities, reflect his dedication to his craft and his desire to leave a lasting mark on the NBA. As DeRozan embarks on this new chapter with the Kings, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he elevates the team’s performance and contributes to their quest for success in the league.
