LeBron James says DeMar DeRozan “makes an immediate impact” wherever he goes

Dec 19, 2024, 3:23 PM

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 20: DeMar DeRozan #11 and LeBron James #6 of Team LeBron celebrate after...

DeMar DeRozan #11 and LeBron James #6 of Team LeBron celebrate after defeating Team Durant 163-160 during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sactown Sports writer

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is playing in his 22nd NBA season, tied with Vince Carter for the most all-time. If anyone knows how to appreciate the longevity, consistency, and production of DeMar DeRozan, it’s him.

James spoke in Sacramento the morning of their first of two consecutive games against the Sacramento Kings after their team shootaround in Golden 1 Center. The Lakers’ star discussed DeMar DeRozan and his impact on the Kings, even in his 15th season.

“He makes an immediate impact wherever he goes,” James said of DeMar DeRozan. “It will never change no matter if it’s here for the rest of his career or if it’s somewhere. He’s going to make an impact no matter what.”

While James sits atop the list with 41,021 career points, DeRozan ranks 30th with 24,078 points and counting. He’s sixth among all active players, trailing only James, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westerbook, and Stephen Curry.

DeRozan also has stayed impressively healthy throughout most of his NBA tenure. James, who can relate to that experience, shared his perspective on all that comes with it.

“It’s not just the physical,” he said Thursday morning. “It’s also the mental to be able to endure the season after season and to be able to come and still have that motivation year after year, after year, after year.”

“You look at (DeMar DeRozan). Just his consistency since he entered the league. He’s just always gotten better and better and better and better. And he’s always just been, like I said, available as well. He’s a guy that’s on the floor [no matter where he’s played].”

They’ve had many battles between the two, with most of their marquee matchups coming in the Eastern Conference playoffs as members of the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Now, they shared the Pacific Divison in the Western Conference. DeRozan’s Kings will host James and the Lakers for two consecutive matchups, their first meeting in the 2024-24 season.