Raptors rumors: DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry potentially eyeing Lakers

For the better part of a decade, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry made up an exceptional Toronto Raptors backcourt, and while that duo never won a championship as a unit, they remain two of the greatest players in franchise history.

Both of these players could be on the move this season, as Lowry is an unrestricted free agent seeking a multi-year contract that will pay him well. DeRozan, who spent the last three seasons with the Spurs, might be looking to join a team that is further along in their championship pursuit than San Antonio.

Lowry’s list of potential destinations has been all over the place, as the Pelicans are trying to bring him to New Orleans despite prior interest from the Heat and 76ers. There is a chance that Lowry and DeRozan and up reuniting, albeit for a team out west looking to get back into the title race.

Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported that both Lowry and DeRozan are intrigued by the possibility of joining the Los Angeles Lakers, with LA native and USC alum DeRozan willing to potentially take a substantial discount in order to team up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Could Raptors legends Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan reunite in LA?

Lowry, who averaged 17.2 points and 7.3 assists per year, could be very attractive for LA, as they could choose to give up on resigning Dennis Schroder and replace him with a future Hall of Famer that has some championship experience in Lowry. If they can come up with the money, wearing purple and gold could appeal to him.

The Lakers tried to acquire Lowry at the deadline before backing out due to Talen Horton-Tucker, but they might end up with Lowry on the team after all. Turner reported that Lowry is genuinely intrigued by joining LA.

DeRozan, who averaged 21.6 points per game over his three seasons in San Antonio, could look to secure that one last huge contract considering he will be 32 by the time the season starts.

DeRozan earned $27.7 million last year with San Antonio, and there is no way that the Lakers could afford to give him a contract like that. It will come at a cost, but LA’s win-now mentality and odds at getting DeRozan a ring could help him decide to take that discount.

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Even though James has taken over primary ball-handling duties, a lineup that features Lowry and DeRozan in the backcourt, James and Davis in the frontcourt, and a warm body at center next to them should be able to blitz through the West.

Lowry and DeRozan are both going to have their numbers retired by the Raptors, and they have a bond off of the court that remains strong to this day. The Lakers would be among the Western Conference favorites without Lowry and DeRozan, so adding the pair of them could make their rotation even more nightmarish for opposing teams.