So far this season, DeRozan has averaged 26.4 points, 5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, shooting 49.7% from the field and shooting 85.5% from the free throw line, as a traditional level of no. 2 position, DeRozan's three-point shot is not very good, but the middle shot is still not much of a problem for DeRozan, he also has a wealth of offensive means, and the organizational ability is not too bad, once changed to point guard during the Spurs. In addition, DeRozan's defense is not too bad, but such DeRozan, joining the Bulls was not his first choice last summer, whether you agree or not, the rumors that DeRozan is willing to cut his salary to play with the Lakers are not empty, because DeRozan personally responded to the rumors.
American journalist Taylor Rooks conducted an exclusive interview with DeRozan, and there was a question that should have been the most concerned about Lakers fans, Taylor Rooks asked DeRozan to personally tell him "Are you willing to take a pay cut to join the Lakers?" "Isn't it true.
Faced with such a question, DeRozan did not refuse to respond, but opened his heart to say that it was once a very realistic choice. The first is that I want to go home. The second is the opportunity to play against one of the best in history (James) to compete for the championship, why refuse? These elements are all things that make me think about a pay cut (joining the Lakers).
Netizens for DeRozan personally responded to the "willing salary cut to join the Lakers" to express their views, of course, DeRozan's salary cut, is not Durant in the Warriors time of the substantial salary cut, he is willing to reduce some salary, but not a lot, and the Lakers can give DeRozan's salary, should not meet DeRozan's expectations, otherwise the Lakers have no reason to give up DeRozan, or choose Westbrook, the Lakers can not choose DeRozan, so DeRozan and the Lakers will miss perfectly, Seeing DeRozan play a leader-level performance in the Bulls now will inevitably make netizens feel that the Lakers have no eyes and miss a better DeRozan.
In addition, think carefully about DeRozan's voice, Los Angeles is his hometown, once DeRozan thought about returning to his hometown to play, and finally DeRozan chose to stay in the Toronto Raptors, such a regret did prompt DeRozan to be very inclined to become a member of the Lakers last summer. The most important point is that James joined hands with thick eyebrows to lead the Lakers to win the championship in 2020, the Lakers were eliminated by the Suns in the first round after being trapped in injuries in the 2020-21 season, the Lakers still have the cornerstone of winning the championship there, deRozan pointed out that the GOAT (the best in history) can only be James, for DeRozan, who was once depressed by James, he is of course eager to join James to win the championship, these factors are not willing to refuse, even if he chooses to cut his salary to join the Lakers, DeRozan is willing, It is a pity that the Lakers' top management chose Westbrook, and at the same time, they were unwilling to give DeRozan a dignified contract, and I think these conditions have become the reason why DeRozan had to give up joining the Lakers.
Now DeRozan is playing well in the Bulls, the Bulls record is currently 30 wins and 17 losses in the East, DeRozan also showed the big heart of consecutive kills against opponents, such DeRozan really heart lakers fans, for the Lakers last summer to give up DeRozan's choice, really regret.
It is worth mentioning that The historical status of Westbrook is higher than That of DeRozan, and it is not necessarily the Lakers' fault to choose Westbrook to give up DeRozan, because any attempt, he has a price, you do not dare to 100% guarantee that DeRozan and Westbrook will change positions, DeRozan can also play the current leadership performance in the Bulls, the things envisaged are not meaningful, only one thing is true, that is, DeRozan once really wanted to cut his salary to join the Lakers to assist James, if given deRozan such an opportunity, he certainly will not refuse.