One of the NBA’s most intriguing remaining free agents is having fun — and possibly hinting at a new team.
Six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan Music video For Kendrick Lamar’s hit rap single “Not Like Us,” released on July 4th.
DeRozan, who played for the Bulls last season, appeared calmly for about three seconds while Lamar sang the lyrics, “I’m glad DeRozan’s back. You guys didn’t deserve him.”
In the lyrics, Lamar appears to be praising Canadian rapper Drake for the fact that DeRozan left his beloved Raptors in 2018.
DeRozan, 34, and Lamar, 37, are both from Compton, California, and the NBA star was recently seen supporting the lyricist.
DeRozan, Russell Westbrook and other California-area athletes accompanied Lamar onstage at “The Popout Show” in Inglewood on June 19.
In fact, it may not be a coincidence that DeRozan is becoming more well-known in the Los Angeles area as he focuses on his new franchise.
DeRozan is due to finish up his three-year, $81.9 million contract with the Chicago Bulls in 2023-24, so the 16-year veteran is reportedly a candidate to join the Lakers via a sign-and-trade deal with Chicago.
Other teams that could potentially be interested in acquiring DeRozan include the Heat and Clippers.
In three seasons in the Windy City, DeRozan averaged 25.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game while earning two All-Star appearances and establishing himself as one of the league’s most competitive players.
Despite DeRozan’s individual accomplishments, the Bulls went just 125-121 overall during that span and made the playoffs in just one season.
And it’s not just DeRozan that’s making the song more popular: Lamar’s music video has already racked up over 12 million views in just over 13 hours since its release.
“Not Like Us” spent eight consecutive weeks in the Billboard Top 100 and helped Lamar win Best Male Hip-Hop Artist at the 2024 BET Awards.
If DeRozan does indeed call Crypto.com Arena home, he’ll join a star-studded team that includes LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and he might have to play a tune criticizing Lamar City as his exit song.
