Lakers, Kings Eye Trade Involving DeMar DeRozan Amid Playoff Push

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings are reportedly exploring a trade involving six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan, as both franchises navigate contrasting timelines in their pursuit of success. The Lakers, led by LeBron James, are focused on maximizing their championship window, while the Kings aim to build a sustainable future around young stars De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

The Lakers, currently in win-now mode, view DeRozan as a potential key piece to bolster their roster. At 35, DeRozan remains a high-impact player, evidenced by his 32-point performance against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. His contract, which runs through the 2025-26 season, aligns with James’ timeline, making him an attractive target for Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the Kings are weighing the benefits of trading DeRozan for younger assets. Under interim head coach Doug Christie, Sacramento has surged to a 9-2 record and re-entered the playoff picture. However, with Fox due for a significant contract extension after next season, the Kings may look to shed salary and acquire cost-effective talent.

A proposed trade package could see the Kings send DeRozan to the Lakers in exchange for Rui Hachimura, 26, and Max Christie, 21. Hachimura’s contract expires a year earlier than DeRozan’s, while Christie, a promising shooting guard, offers long-term value at a manageable salary. This move would allow Sacramento to prioritize financial flexibility and roster continuity around Fox and Sabonis.

“If the Kings feel they can contend this year with DeRozan, they’ll shy away from a trade like this,” said a league insider. “But if they’re being realistic about their current season and looking to build for the future, this deal makes sense.”

DeRozan, a Compton native, has expressed a desire to play for the Lakers in the past. His addition would provide Los Angeles with a proven scorer and playmaker, complementing James and Anthony Davis. For the Kings, the trade would signal a shift toward youth development and financial prudence.

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, both teams face critical decisions. The Lakers must decide whether to go all-in on their championship aspirations, while the Kings must balance immediate competitiveness with long-term planning. A potential DeRozan trade could reshape the trajectories of both franchises.