Lakers Rumors: DeMar DeRozan Leaving Raptors, Returning To Los Angeles?

The Los Angeles Lakers are without a starting shooting guard for the 2016-17 season following the retirement of Kobe Bryant. Who could be the next great shooting guard for the franchise?

If we are to believe Stephen A. Smith, the answer is Toronto Raptors All-Star DeMar DeRozan: "He's enjoying his last days in Toronto because he'll leaving for Los Angeles in a few months," Smith said on ESPN.

DeRozan, a two-time All-Star for the Raptors, averaged a career-high 23.5 points in his seventh season with Toronto. The free-agent-to-be is currently in a good situation with the No. 2 team in the Eastern Conference, forming one of the NBA's best backcourts alongside Kyle Lowry. 

With that said, DeRozan would likely listen to an offer from L.A. given his roots in Southern California -- he played at USC after graduating from Compton High School -- and the fact that the Lakers could offer him a max contract. How the Raptors fare in the 2016 NBA postseason will likely play a large role in his decision as well. 

DeRozan is arguably the second best player on the market this summer after Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant, and should have his pick of several teams in need of help on the wing. 

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Related Topics: NBA Rumors, Lakers Rumors, Lakers News, DeMar Derozan