In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers have set their sights on former Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan after missing out on a deal with Klay Thompson. Reports suggest that the Lakers are willing to get creative to acquire DeRozan, either through a sign-and-trade or by clearing their books to make room for the star.

The Lakers had high hopes of adding Klay Thompson to their roster, but the talented guard ultimately signed a three-year, $50 million deal with the Mavericks, dashing Los Angeles' aspirations of pairing him alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With Thompson off the board, DeRozan emerges as the next best option for the Lakers.

Chris Haynes of Turner Sports revealed during an appearance on NBA TV's Free Agent Fever that the Lakers have already begun communication with DeRozan's agent, Aaron Goodwin. The team recognizes the need for a star-caliber player that can complement LeBron's and Davis' skills, and DeRozan fits the bill.

DeRozan's impressive performance with the Chicago Bulls last season further strengthens his appeal. In 79 games, he averaged an impressive 24 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds. These numbers actually surpassed Thompson's production, making DeRozan an enticing addition for the Lakers.

While DeRozan may not possess the same championship pedigree as Thompson, he could provide a much-needed offensive boost for the team and help them develop a more balanced attack. With James expected to re-sign with the Lakers, there are even speculations that he would be willing to take a pay cut to facilitate a deal with DeRozan, showcasing his commitment to the team's success.

It remains to be seen whether a sign-and-trade or other creative maneuvers will materialize to bring DeRozan to the Lakers. Nonetheless, the team's determination to land a player of his caliber demonstrates their ambition to assemble a formidable roster for the upcoming season.

As the free agency period continues, basketball fans eagerly await further developments on the Lakers' pursuit of DeMar DeRozan and how it will shape the dynamic of the team alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.