The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of an impressive NBA season that featured a 2-10 start to the regular season, but has since involved a major turnaround. They are now in the Western Conference Finals after ending Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors’ bid to defend their title.

LeBron James has played effectively, but he has done so more as off-ball in the playoffs than he ever has in his NBA career. With how teams always have room to improve, many have thought about the prospect of the Lakers re-pairing him with Kyrie Irving to maximize that balanced style.

Irving’s talent coupled with the Dallas Mavericks’ desperation will likely end with him receiving a massive contract — just with the number of years being unclear. The Lakers already are reportedly disinterested in the idea of attempting to overcome that.

What if the Lakers were to pursue a different scoring threat? One option that stands out is DeMar DeRozan, who surely would appreciate the opportunity to play for his hometown team while contending for his first career NBA title.

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

The Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads this offseason. Zach LaVine wasn’t favorable of how DeRozan took the reigns as the top option of the team’s offense. The best way to rectify that would be to trade DeRozan for whatever assets possible now.

This summer, would they be able to pair James with DeRozan?