Every time DeRozan plays a wonderful performance this season, it is like stabbing a knife in the heart of the Lakers. Recently, the well-known female journalist Ramona Shelburne revealed in a guest appearance on the "NBA Today" program that in the 2021 offseason, the Lakers chose Westbrook between Westbrook, Hield and DeRozan, when the Lakers were reluctant to provide DeRozan with a three-year contract.
DeRozan asked the Lakers for help in the 2021 offseason, but he did not get feedback from the Lakers, and finally signed with the Bulls for $82 million for 3 years. It is reported that the reason why the Lakers ignore DeRozan is because they do not want to give DeRozan a three-year contract. To this end, the Lakers chose Westbrook, after all, Westbrook's contract expires in 2023, and the final season is a player option.
However, the performances of DeRozan and Westbrook so far this season have punched the Lakers in the face. Westbrook's performance has been criticized, with DeRozan averaging 28.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game, shooting 51.7 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three-point range. Westbrook averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 43.7 percent and 29.9 percent from the field and 4.1 turnovers per game (DeRozan averaged 2.3 turnovers per game).
In fact, Hield may also be a more suitable choice for the Lakers. In the first 55 games of the season, Hield played for the Kings, averaging 14.4 points and 4 rebounds per game, averaging 9 three-pointers per game, shooting 36.8%; and after being sent to the Pacers, Hield played in 4 games, averaging 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, averaging 10 three-pointers per game, shooting 35%. And what the Lakers need most is such a prolific shooter.
Of course, everything can not be assumed, perhaps DeRozan and Hield joined the Lakers, they can not play such a performance, may be used as a fixed point pitcher, and DeRozan is more suitable for the ball play. In contrast, the Bulls and Pacers seem to be a better fit for DeRozan and Hield. (Supine Braces/Hairy)