Derrick Rose trade to Lakers ‘more likely’ this offseason

Derrick Rose might get traded to the Lakers this offseason

After LeBron James helped a future Hall of Famer in Dwight Howard get his first ring as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, there is some optimism that the next veteran to link up with LeBron in pursuit of a title is Detroit Pistons point guard Derrick Rose. While it would take some wheeling and dealing from both sides to get a deal done, there is some legitimate momentum towards making a deal happen.

According to the latest buzz, a trade that would send Rose to the purple and gold is looking more likely this offseason. The Lakers wanted to deal for him last year, but they decided against it as they anticipated he would be bought out. However, Rose stayed in Detroit, and the Lakers were left empty-handed.

Derrick Rose had a productive season on a bad Pistons team

Rose’s story is one of the most tragic in recent NBA history. Drafted by the hometown Chicago Bulls and an MVP at age 22, injuries sapped Rose of his lightning quickness, limiting him to just 49 regular-season games over a three-year span. He has spent the rest of his career bouncing around between several different organizations as he tries to rediscover that spark.

Rose, who played with LeBron in Cleveland in 2017, broke out with the Minnesota Timberwolves and parlayed that success into a move to Detroit. Rose averaged 18.1 points, but the Pistons won just 20 games and finished 13th in the Eastern Conference. Getting Rose out of that rebuilding project and onto a contender needs to happen to prevent his final seasons from being wasted in Detroit.

Rose might not be the player he once was, but he is an 18 per game scorer coming off of a solid season that could help the Lakers replace some of the offensive production and ball-handling they could lose this offseason. If Detroit is willing to sell, Rob Pelinka needs to make this move happen.