Lakers Free Agency Rumors: Derrick Rose signs 1-year, $2.1 million contract with Cavaliers

Derrick Rose has made his free agency decision and will join the Cleveland Cavaliers on a one-year, $2.1 million contract, reports Chris Haynes of ESPN. Rose is headed to Cleveland at a tumultuous time and could end up playing a major role for the team next season, pending whatever happens with Kyrie Irving.

The Los Angeles Lakers had a three-hour meeting with Rose on Thursday, making their case to the one-time NBA Most Valuable Player to be a mentor to Lonzo Ball through his rookie season. It appears the allure of potentially becoming the Cavaliers’ starting point guard, playing alongside LeBron James and staying in the Eastern Conference came out on top.

The Lakers can now shift their attention to other options, most likely moving on to Ian Clark. The Lakers held a meeting with Clark as well, brought in head coach Luke Walton to discuss the opportunity, and he remains as one of the few remaining players the Lakers have actually been linked to.

One of the “biggest” dominoes left to fall for the Lakers just dropped, so expect follow-up moves from the front office to happen soon.