The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to making bold moves in the offseason, and this summer appears to be no different. As the franchise looks to retool around superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the front office is reportedly targeting a former Rookie of the Year winner to bolster their backcourt. With the need for additional playmaking, scoring, and veteran leadership, this potential acquisition could be the missing piece that elevates the Lakers back into championship contention.
The Lakers’ guard rotation has been a point of concern in recent seasons. While Austin Reaves has emerged as a reliable contributor and D’Angelo Russell has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been an issue. Russell’s playoff struggles and the lack of a true floor general behind him have left the Lakers searching for a more stable presence in the backcourt. Enter the former Rookie of the Year in question—a player who has proven he can carry an offense, create for others, and thrive under pressure.
While the Lakers have been linked to several guards in trade rumors and free agency discussions, one name stands out as a perfect fit: Derrick Rose. The 2011 Rookie of the Year and former MVP may not be the explosive scorer he once was, but his experience, leadership, and ability to run an offense make him an intriguing option. Rose, who most recently played for the Memphis Grizzlies, has expressed a desire to contribute to a winning team, and the Lakers could provide him with that opportunity.
Rose’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. After bursting onto the scene with the Chicago Bulls and becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history, his career was derailed by a series of devastating injuries. However, he has reinvented himself as a savvy veteran who can still impact games with his playmaking and mid-range scoring. Last season, in limited minutes with the Grizzlies, Rose showed he can still be an effective facilitator, averaging 5.6 assists per 36 minutes while maintaining a steady presence in the locker room.
For the Lakers, adding Rose would address multiple needs. First, he would provide a reliable ball-handler who can take pressure off LeBron James in half-court sets. James, who turns 40 next season, has shouldered much of the playmaking burden in recent years, and adding a proven point guard like Rose could help preserve him for the playoffs. Second, Rose’s ability to penetrate defenses and create shots for others would open up opportunities for Anthony Davis in the pick-and-roll, an area where the Lakers have struggled to find consistency outside of LeBron.
Another factor that makes Rose an attractive target is his affordability. At this stage of his career, Rose would likely command a minimum contract or a small portion of the Lakers’ mid-level exception. Given the team’s limited financial flexibility, finding a player of Rose’s caliber at that price would be a steal. Additionally, his veteran leadership could be invaluable for younger players like Austin Reaves and Max Christie, helping them develop their game while also keeping the locker room focused on winning.
Of course, Rose is not the only former Rookie of the Year the Lakers could pursue. Other names like Michael Carter-Williams or Tyreke Evans (if he makes an NBA return) could be considered, but neither offers the same level of experience or playoff pedigree as Rose. Another intriguing option could be Malcolm Brogdon, the 2017 Rookie of the Year, who has been mentioned in trade rumors. Brogdon, currently with the Portland Trail Blazers, would be a more expensive acquisition but would provide elite shooting and secondary playmaking. However, given the Lakers’ limited trade assets, Brogdon may be out of reach unless Portland is willing to accept a package built around draft picks and young players.
The Lakers’ interest in a former Rookie of the Year also signals a shift in their roster construction philosophy. In recent years, the team has prioritized athleticism and defensive versatility, but with LeBron’s window for championship contention narrowing, the focus appears to be shifting toward proven veterans who can contribute immediately. This approach mirrors the strategy that brought them success in the 2020 bubble championship, where seasoned players like Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard played crucial roles.
If the Lakers do secure Rose or another veteran guard, the next step will be integrating him into Darvin Ham’s system. Ham has emphasized pace and defensive intensity, and while Rose is no longer the lockdown defender he once was, his basketball IQ allows him to be in the right positions. Offensively, his ability to push the ball in transition and make quick decisions fits well with the Lakers’ desire to play faster.
There are, of course, risks involved. Rose’s injury history is well-documented, and relying on him for heavy minutes could backfire. However, in a reduced role where he plays 15-20 minutes per game, he could be highly effective. The Lakers would also need to ensure they have enough perimeter shooting to space the floor, as Rose is not a consistent three-point threat. Pairing him with knockdown shooters like Reaves and potentially a re-signed Taurean Prince would be essential.
Ultimately, this potential move reflects the Lakers’ urgency to maximize the remaining years of LeBron James’ career. While the team has explored bigger swings—such as pursuing Trae Young or Donovan Mitchell—adding a steady veteran like Derrick Rose may be the more realistic and impactful move. His leadership, playmaking, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations could be exactly what the Lakers need to make another deep playoff run.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on the Lakers’ front office to see if they can land their target. Whether it’s Rose, Brogdon, or another seasoned guard, one thing is clear: the Lakers recognize that shoring up their backcourt is the key to returning to title contention. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that the Lakers are never afraid to make a bold move when the stakes are high.
