As the NBA’s 2025-26 season heats up, the Los Angeles Lakers are showing impressive form with a 10-4 record, temporarily holding fourth place in the Western Conference, even without superstar LeBron James stepping on the court. On the flip side, the Sacramento Kings – who made the playoffs just two seasons ago – are sinking into crisis with only a 3-10 record, sitting 13th and showing signs of “blowing up” their core to rebuild.
Amid the storm of trade rumors, the name DeMar DeRozan – a 6-time All-Star forward and native of Los Angeles – emerges as a “prime target” for the Lakers. According to analysis from ClutchPoints’ Rohan Brahmbhatt, the Lakers are the ideal destination for the former Chicago Bulls star as the Kings decide to “blow away” their pillars. “It almost feels too perfect, but the Lakers are undeniably the most logical destination for DeMar DeRozan,” Brahmbhatt wrote. “He would instantly become the Lakers’ second-most reliable perimeter scorer, providing the exact shot-making they’ve lacked for three straight postseasons. His ability to steady non-LeBron minutes is invaluable, and he could lead second units the way DeRozan once did in Chicago and Toronto.”
The “Pirate” Plan: Hunting a Superstar at a Bargain Price
This plan is likened to a true “pirate raid” in the West – the Lakers are ready to dive in and “hunt” to bolster their offense, especially with LeBron James still sidelined by injury. DeRozan, 36 years old, is a three-time All-NBA selection, and while his age may lower the trade price, he remains a solid option. This season, through 13 games, DeRozan averages 18.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists – numbers that have slightly dipped since his move to Sacramento, suggesting a change of scenery could reignite his form.
In terms of the deal, salary matching is feasible with Jarred Vanderbilt – the Lakers’ defensive “darling” – paired with a first-round pick, or a combination of bench players if the Kings prefer more flexible assets. Vanderbilt, though useful on defense, hasn’t fully met expectations since joining the Lakers in the 2022-23 season. He’s a “small price” compared to the value DeRozan brings: a clutch scorer who can lead minutes without LeBron and add depth to the perimeter – a weakness that’s plagued the Lakers in their last three playoff runs.
Abundant Draft Assets: The Lakers’ “Secret Weapon”
The Lakers are sitting on a treasure trove of first-round draft picks nearly intact through 2032, except for the 2027 and 2029 selections (already traded away previously). This allows them to easily pair a valuable pick with Vanderbilt or bench players like Max Christie or Gabe Vincent, depending on the Kings’ needs. With their current record, the Lakers aren’t in a rush, but “stealing” DeRozan – a local who loves purple and gold – would be a massive morale boost, especially as he could play the “father figure” role alongside Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves.
The Kings, on the other hand, are at a crossroads. After two years of failing to build on their 2023 playoff foundation, they’re showing instability with a weak defense and inconsistent offense, making a rebuild an inevitable choice.
Lakers Still “Calm” Without LeBron: Next Challenge
Despite the swirling trade rumors, the Lakers are running smoothly without the “King.” They’ve overcome an impressive five-game road trip, and big good news for LeBron James has just been announced following this streak – he could return soon. However, whether to pursue DeRozan or not remains an open question. Coach JJ Redick’s team could continue relying on the explosions from Davis and Reaves, but adding a “killer” like DeRozan would transform them into serious title contenders.
The Lakers’ next challenge is a matchup against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday evening (7:30 p.m. PT), where they’ll need to prove their strength without further “plundering.” Will the “pirate” plan come to fruition? The NBA is watching.