Derrick Rose Could Be Headed To The Lakers This Offseason

The Lakers were reportedly “close” to trading for Derrick Rose last trade deadline, but decided against the move because of a “strong buy out market.” Now that the buy-out market came and went, L.A. is again flirting with a trade for Rose. LeBron and Anthony Davis just won titles with pieces like Dwight Howard and J.R. Smith, so we’d love to see Derrick Rose get in the mix as well.

The Lakers are more likely than ever to target Derrick Rose in the offseason, after taking a look at him at the trade deadline.

(via Sean Deveney) pic.twitter.com/34epw8e7UB

— Basketball Forever (@Bballforeverfb) October 18, 2020

It’s hard to feel bad for a 32-year-old who could retire tomorrow with $85 million in the bank, but somehow Derrick Rose pulls our heart strings. Watching athletes go down year after year with injury is never easy, even if they are well paid. The 2012 MVP could give the Lakers a scoring punch off the bench they didn’t have in this year’s title run.

Lakers media circled like buzzards questioning who would be the Lakers “third weapon” this season now that forward Kyle Kuzma has shown he can’t fill those shoes. Rose averages 18.1 points/game and shoots 50% from the field, two stats that could make him an attractive candidate for LA. Not that the Lakers necessarily need anything to happen after just winning a title, but they should look to defend their title next year. Rose may just be the guy to help them repeat.

Derrick Rose in the 2019-2020 season:

18.1 PPG
2.4 RPG
5.6 APG
49% FG
26.0 MPG

He’s still only 32 years-old and could contribute on any contender 🌹 pic.twitter.com/2MvZQZmROK

— Top Ball Coverage (@TopBallCoverage) October 19, 2020

Struggling jumper

One cause for concern would be Derrick Rose’s inability to space the floor. In his defense, Rajon Rondo couldn’t shoot a lick initially either, but he was big time down the stretch for this year’s title team. Maybe everyone around LeBron doesn’t have to be able to shoot the ball. Maybe they just need a guy like Rose who can create a shot for others.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka will surely aim higher early on in the trade market, but if things deteriorate elsewhere, he could bring Rose to L.A. after all. LeBron probably doesn’t need another ring after winning his fourth, but Derrick Rose surely deserves at least one.