The Los Angeles Lakers are currently fighting in the NBA Playoffs in a tough series against the Phoenix Suns, but they are also going to go through an interesting offseason. With plenty of free agents, there could be some roster turnover in L.A. One potential free agent who could end up being a target for the Lakers might very well be Derrick Rose.
With the New York Knicks this season, Rose has proven once again that he still has great basketball left in him. The Lakers could use a guard who can score at a high level, get to the paint, as well as create for his teammates. Rose could be the answer for them.
Dennis Schroder is expected to leave town this offseason in free agency to pursue a starting job and more money elsewhere. That should not worry the Lakers. If they can replace him with Rose, they will be just fine.
One NBA executive spoke to NBA Analysis Network about Rose’s upcoming free agency and mentioned that the Lakers are expected to strongly pursue signing him once again.
“The Lakers have had a lot of interest in Derrick Rose over the last couple of years, but they haven’t gotten a deal done with him. I think they will revisit that option this offseason. I believe they will make a strong pursuit to sign him when free agency opens up.”
Rose was traded to the Knicks from the Detroit Pistons earlier this season and has become a staple of New York’s bench unit. He has helped take the team to being a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.
In the 35 games that he played with the Knicks during the regular season, Rose only recorded three starts. He averaged 14.9 points per game to go along with 4.2 assists and 2.9 rebounds. Rose shot 48.7 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 41.1 percent of his three-point attempts.
Those numbers show why a team like the Lakers should strongly pursue Rose. He can fill up the basket and can do so off the bench or in the starting lineup. Rose has a great relationship with LeBron James and could help take some pressure off of James and Anthony Davis.
Expect to see the Lakers have an aggressive offseason. Derrick Rose may not end up with the franchise, but it would certainly make sense for both sides.
