"This is who the Lakers fumbled": NBA fans troll LA for missing out on DeMar DeRozan as veteran gets off to healthy start with Kings

Over the past two seasons, DeMar DeRozan was heavily linked to the LA Lakers. Fans recently jabbed at the historic organization after the six-time All-Star had a strong debut with his new team.

After a three-year run with the Chicago Bulls, DeRozan saw himself on the move again this summer. He was dealt back to the Western Conference as part of a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings.

On Wednesday night, DeMar DeRozan put together an impressive preseason debut with the Kings. In 15 minutes against the Golden State Warriors, he notched 15 points on perfect 6-for-6 shooting from the field. Following this performance, fans made jokes at the Lakers' expense for not being able to land him.

Other fans praised DeRozan's fit on the Kings and said that the new-look squad has a chance to be a dark horse contender in the Western Conference.

"Kings are def sneaky contenders," one fan said.

"Kings are the most underrated team in the league," another fan said.

"I can’t even lie he looks like a good fit in Sac," another fan said.

Now with Sacramento, DeRozan is flanked by a new pair of All-Stars in De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

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DeMar DeRozan had numerous ties to the LA Lakers

As a native of California, DeMar DeRozan is always going to be connected to a team such as the Lakers. While he's never played for them, the All-Star forward has been adamant about playing in LA the last two times he hit free agency.

In September 2022, DeRozan went on JJ Redick's podcast to discuss an assortment of topics. Among the things that came up was how he was extremely close to signing with the Lakers that summer. DeRozan thought it was a done deal, but things ended up changing after LA made a blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook.

Fast forward to this past offseason, and DeMar DeRozan once again had interest in the Lakers. After signing with the Kings, he was a guest on Paul George's podcast. DeRozan spoke about his process in free agency this time around and cited the Lakers as a team that was on his radar.

"Was thinking about Philly," DeRozan told George. "Philly definitely was an option. Lakers was an option, always. Clippers was an option. And the Heat was an option, I'd say those teams for sure."

Despite DeRozan having a clear interest in playing for the Lakers, a deal has never surfaced. He still got an opportunity to play in California but is doing so with the Kings.

At the age of 35, DeRozan is still an impactful player in the league. Last season with the Bulls, he averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists. In this new chapter of his career, DeRozan will provide scoring and experience to a Kings team looking to turn a corner.