Lakers Linked to $73 Million Six-Time All-Star

Veteran free agent could be target for Lakers in offseason

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:07pm

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The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be active in the upcoming free agent market, with reports linking the team to a 36-year-old six-time NBA All-Star who could command a $73 million contract.

Why it matters

The Lakers are looking to retool their roster after a disappointing season, and adding a veteran All-Star could help them compete for an NBA championship next year.

The details

According to reports, the Lakers have been linked to DeMar DeRozan, a 36-year-old forward who is expected to command a lucrative multi-year deal in free agency. DeRozan is coming off a strong season with the Chicago Bulls, where he averaged over 24 points per game.

  • The 2023 NBA free agency period begins on July 1, 2023.

The players

DeMar DeRozan

A 36-year-old six-time NBA All-Star forward who is expected to be a top free agent target for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason.

Los Angeles Lakers

The 17-time NBA champion franchise that is looking to retool its roster this offseason after a disappointing 2022-23 season.

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What they’re saying

“At the trade deadline, there were some whispers that (DeMar) DeRozan and his camp were exploring ways to get him to one of the two Los Angeles-based teams (Lakers and Clippers)”

— Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints reporter

What’s next

The Lakers will have to decide if they want to pursue DeRozan and how much they are willing to pay the veteran forward in free agency.

The takeaway

The Lakers are looking to add star power to their roster this offseason, and DeMar DeRozan could be a high-profile target given his All-Star pedigree and potential fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.