Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal 

Of course, some Lakers fans may not like this package either. To be sure, there are reasons to be skeptical about it. 

Most of those reasons revolve around DeRozan’s three-point shooting. After all, Westbrook’s poor floor spacing is typically viewed as the primary reason he was unable to fit alongside LeBron James. Why bring DeRozan in? 

Well, for starters, Westbrook’s decision-making with the ball is also questionable. Not so for DeRozan. He’s developed into a great playmaker with a high feel. If nothing else, he won’t frustrate James so regularly when he’s on the ball. 

Moreover, DeRozan is at least a deadly midrange shooter. That may not make for optimal spacing in 2022, but it counts for something.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

All told, the fit here should at least be a little cleaner. Finally, we don’t need to justify Caruso’s fit with James – he already displayed it on his first tour of duty with the Lakers. 

With that in mind, we’ll avoid speculating about it altogether.