DeMar DeRozan Explains Choosing Kings Over Lakers

DeMar DeRozan has subtly criticized his hometown Lakers by hinting he preferred the Kings during his free agency this summer.

In an interview with "Podcast P", DeRozan mentioned he considered several teams, including the Lakers, Clippers, 76ers, and Heat. However, he ultimately chose the Kings due to their "contagious culture" and talented roster.

Why DeRozan Chose the Kings:

"I was just looking for an opportunity to win at a high level wherever that was going to be," said DeRozan. "Once last season ended, I took a seat back — everybody knew I just wanted to win — so from there, I let the cards play out to where I wanted to see the landscape of what [team] was going to win. Sac just came about, and they were showing real interest. When I analyzed the team — great players, great coach."

The six-time All-Star believes there’s something special happening with the Kings. He pointed out their unique tradition of lighting a beam after home wins at Golden 1 Center. Watching this from afar made him want to join in on their success.

The Appeal of a Winning Culture:

"That’s definitely one thing you always want to be a part of," DeRozan said about joining a winning culture. He felt that everything about the Kings fit perfectly with what he was looking for in a team.

It’s interesting that at 35 years old, DeRozan found more appeal in joining young stars like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sobanis rather than teaming up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers.

LeBron’s Efforts and Financial Moves:

James was reportedly willing to take a pay cut so that the Lakers could offer either DeRozan, Klay Thompson or Jonas Valanciunas $12.9 million mid-level exception (MLE). But when those players signed elsewhere, James opted for his max deal instead.

DeRozan eventually signed a three-year contract worth $77 million with Sacramento as part of a sign-and-trade deal involving Chicago.

Fans think it’s cool how players choose teams based on culture now!