2016 NBA free agency: 5 worst fits for DeMar DeRozan

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Dec 7, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) scores a basket as he is also fouled by Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Sacre (50) on the play at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Lakers 102-93. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

. West. Pacific. Los Angeles Lakers. 2. player. 20

Outside of the Raptors, the team that seems to have the strongest affinity for DeRozan’s game is the Los Angeles Lakers. DeRozan, a Southern California native, grew up a huge Lakers fan, modeling his game on Kobe Bryant’s and playing college ball for the USC Trojans.

DeRozan may one day wish to play for his hometown team, but now is not the time for him to leave an ideal situation in Toronto for a Western Conference doormat in the rebuilding Lakers. The Lakers won 17 games last year in the final season of Bryant’s Hall of Fame career. They’ll be lucky to go 37-45 under first year head coach Luke Walton in 2016-17.

Let’s not forget that the Lakers already have three to four players that can realistically play shooting guard: Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams are obvious twos. D’Angelo Russell might be better suited to play the two over point guard. And what if the Lakers bring back Nick Young?

Eventually this young Laker corps will figure some things out and be a viable playoff contender. Los Angeles has been a terrible basketball team for the last three seasons and will be bad for at least the next two. With DeRozan still in his prime, why would he want to play for one of the worst teams in the league when he can play for one of the best in Toronto?

Next: 1. New York Knicks.

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