The opportunity passed: DeMar DeRozan no longer thinks about the Lakers and is fully committed to the Kings. After a tumultuous week for the Sacramento Kings, the franchise made headlines by parting ways with two-time Coach of the Year Mike Brown. This decision has added to the challenges faced by six-time All-Star DeRozan, who joined the Kings last summer with aspirations of clinching his first NBA championship alongside teammates De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
DeRozan’s choice to sign with the Kings was influenced by the team’s impressive performance in 2023, where they reached the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. They even pushed the reigning champion Golden State Warriors to a thrilling seven-game series, showcasing their potential.
However, the current season has not gone as planned for the Kings, who find themselves in 12th place in the Western Conference with a lackluster 13-19 record. A six-game losing streak has left fans and analysts questioning the team’s direction.
Despite considering other teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat during free agency, DeRozan reflects on his journey with a sense of resilience. “It’s been a process,” he shared with FOX Sports. “Been through a lot so far this season. Just trying to figure it out. But sometimes that builds character and brings another type of resilience about you.”
The firing of Brown surprised DeRozan, who had high hopes for the team’s trajectory under his leadership. “I really haven’t processed it yet,” he admitted. “It just happened [Friday]. I came [to Los Angeles], seen the family, went to sleep, woke up. It probably won’t really sink in until [Sunday].”
The Kings sought DeRozan’s expertise to revitalize an offense that dropped from first in the league in 2023 to 13th last season. Known for his exceptional ball-handling and scoring ability, DeRozan has been pivotal in improving the Kings’ offensive rating to seventh this season, averaging 20.7 points on 48 percent shooting.
Fox praised DeRozan’s impact on the team, emphasizing his ability to command the game. “He puts his imprint on the game,” Fox noted, highlighting DeRozan’s playmaking skills, especially when facing double teams.
However, Fox acknowledged that reaching their full potential hinges on their defensive performance. The Kings currently rank 17th in defensive rating, and Fox insists that improvement on this end is essential for success.
The Kings’ defensive struggles were evident in their recent loss to the Lakers, where they allowed a staggering 59.7 percent shooting from the field. Despite DeRozan’s impressive performance with 25 points, thoughts of what could have been with the Lakers did not linger in his mind.
Having nearly joined the Lakers in the past, DeRozan no longer dwells on missed opportunities. Growing up as a Lakers fan in Compton, he faced disappointment when the team opted for Russell Westbrook instead of trading for him in 2021. Yet, his journey has led him to Chicago, where he regained his All-Star status in 2022 and 2023.
DeRozan’s focus now lies in his commitment to the Kings. He has also gained recognition for his openness about mental health struggles, using his platform to encourage others to seek help.
Throughout his career, DeRozan has played for four teams in seven years. From nearly reaching the NBA Finals with Toronto to being traded to a rebuilding San Antonio Spurs team, he has found value in every experience. His bond with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich remains significant, especially after Popovich supported him during personal hardships.
DeRozan expressed his unwavering respect for Popovich, sending well-wishes as Popovich recovers from a recent health scare. “I always send out my well-wishes to him,” DeRozan said. “But just letting him get back healthy. I’m sure I’ll talk to him soon.”
His journey has been filled with ups and downs, but DeRozan embraces the challenges ahead, gaining perspective from his experiences. Playing alongside promising young talent, he remains open to the unexpected twists of the season.
When asked to describe the season thus far, DeRozan kept it straightforward. “It’s hard to say what it’s been other than a journey right now,” he reflected. “Going through the process. Figuring it out. But it’s been fun.”
