DeMar DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, has previously considered joining the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, initially engaging in talks with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in 2021. However, he signed with the Chicago Bulls after the Lakers prioritized Russell Westbrook.

As an unrestricted free agent this summer, he had multiple suitors, including the Lakers and Miami Heat, but ultimately signed a three-year deal with the Sacramento Kings. DeRozan expressed excitement about potentially being a key player in the Kings' pursuit of playoff success.