The Sacramento Kings kicked off the 2024–25 NBA season brimming with optimism, particularly thanks to their offseason acquisition of DeMar DeRozan, a veteran forward known for his scoring prowess. Throughout the early part of the season, DeRozan was a reliable contributor, averaging over 22 points per game alongside commendable assist and rebounding numbers. However, despite his efforts, the Kings struggled to live up to the high expectations set for them at the onset of the campaign.
One significant hurdle was the instability within the organization. Midway through the season, the Kings made the bold move to part ways with head coach Mike Brown, followed closely by the departure of general manager Monte McNair. Such drastic changes in leadership shook the team’s chemistry and trajectory, resulting in a lack of cohesion that became increasingly evident on the court.
One of the more intriguing storylines this season involved the potential for DeRozan to reunite with his hometown team, the Los Angeles Lakers. The whispers of this possibility resurface each offseason, and though it didn’t materialize previously, there is fresh intrigue surrounding the idea. For Los Angeles, acquiring DeRozan would likely require parting with two key assets: Rui Hachimura, a vital perimeter shooter for the Lakers, and rookie Dalton Knecht, who has shown promise as a long-term addition. Alongside these players, a protected first-round pick might be part of the deal. While it’s a steep price to pay, the Lakers might see DeRozan as the missing piece that could propel them into title contention.
The Kings faced their fair share of on-court issues as well. A midseason trade that saw them send franchise guard De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Zach LaVine didn’t yield the desired outcomes either. The team struggled with chemistry on the floor, compounded by late-season injuries to pivotal players, which hampered their ability to find rhythm.
Offensively, inconsistency plagued the Kings, particularly from the three-point line, and costly turnovers proved detrimental, especially noticeable in their Play-In Tournament loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Defensively, Sacramento struggled significantly, finishing among the least efficient teams in the league and failing to make the key stops needed in critical moments.
Despite the chaos surrounding the Kings this season, DeRozan managed to shine brightly. In their final game—a disappointing defeat to the Mavericks in the Play-In—he delivered an outstanding performance, dropping 33 points and setting the all-time Play-In scoring record. This display of skill, however, could not save the Kings, as the 120–106 loss sealed their fate as they were eliminated from postseason contention. As DeRozan looks ahead in his career, it is clear that he seeks the opportunity to compete for a championship, something that seems out of reach with the Kings’ current trajectory.
Looking ahead to a potential fit with the Lakers, questions arise regarding how well DeRozan would mesh with the existing lineup, particularly given his less-than-ideal three-point shooting. Yet, his elite mid-range scoring ability and shot creation would provide a refreshing dimension to L.A.’s offense. Pairing him with stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis could alleviate some scoring responsibilities and provide a reliable option during crucial moments.
Beyond his scoring abilities, DeRozan’s experience and veteran leadership would be invaluable for a team aiming for the title, especially now as the Lakers aim to capitalize on LeBron’s remaining years in the league.
From the Kings’ perspective, any move that sends DeRozan to the Lakers could be the start of a new chapter. By acquiring young talents like Hachimura and Knecht, alongside a first-round pick, Sacramento could pivot towards a future-focused approach, setting the stage for a rebuild. This would allow them to stockpile assets while providing DeRozan the chance to chase a championship with a contender. It’s a strategic maneuver that, on paper, benefits both sides.
