Report: Lakers among teams prepared to offer DeRozan max contract

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the teams expected to offer Toronto Raptors swingman DeMar DeRozan a max contract when he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe.

It echoes multiple reports regarding teams being interested in the 26-year-old, who is averaging career highs in points (22.9) and assists (4.1) this season.

DeRozan would first have to opt out of the final year of his contract next summer, something he is virtually guaranteed to do. By opting out and signing a new deal, DeRozan's annual salary would likely more than double from $10 million to above $20 million.

As the rules of the collective bargaining agreement dictate, however, only the Raptors can offer DeRozan a fifth year.

The Los Angeles native has long been on the radar of the Lakers, who will be flush with cap space and active on the free-agent market following the retirement of Kobe Bryant.