Derrick Rose: Is he worth it for the Lakers?

Let's take a trip through memory lane. The year is 2008. Derrick Rose is drafted as the number one overall pick to the Chicago Bulls. All eyes are on the 20 year old as he makes his NBA debut, and the eyes are not disappointed. The young star can BALL.

Rose was Rookie of the Year in 2009, and an All Star in his second, third, and fourth seasons. He averaged over 20 points in each of those seasons. He was quickly admired by the rap world for his insane game, by rappers such as Kanye West, Drake, Jay Z, and more.

In 2011, Derrick Rose won the MVP award at the age of 23. 23! The youngest MVP ever.

Then, in 2012, his career took a drastic turn. Derrick Rose tore his ACL, and missed the entire season. It was a major shock to the basketball community. He would go on to only play 10 games the next season, before tearing his meniscus in his right knee.

Rose would subsequently be traded from the Bulls to the Knicks, where he would undergo a civil lawsuit, fines from the team, and then in 2017, he would tear his meniscus in his left knee.

Could things have gone worse for Derrick Rose? D Rose. The stunning, exhilarating, exciting baller from the Bulls, took more hits than almost any athlete in the history of sports.

But he kept pushing. From the Knicks he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, from the Cavs to the Jazz, from the Jazz to the Timberwolves, and from the Wolves to the Pistons.

Now, in his 12th season, Rose is making his comeback. Having had lots of physical therapy, time with his family, and self reflection, Rose is averaging 19 points, 6 assists, and is shooting 50%. Rose has been quoted saying "Most guys would have been retired." But not Derrick Rose.

Rose has a certain something about him that has kept him going through all the trials and tribulations. Through the injuries and lawsuits, through the trades and team fines, Derrick Rose is in his twelfth season and finally starting to shine again.

So what drives Rose? Why hasn't he hung it up? Why did Rose put up with all the injuries and all the scrutiny over the years? To me, the answer is simple. He has something to prove. He's not yet shown his full capability. Clearly the talent is there.

So, is Derrick Rose worth it for the Lakers? Well, let's take a look at where the Lakers sit.

The Lakers are first in the Western Conference, with their eyes set on a title. To most Lakers fans, myself included, anything less than a championship this season is a failure. Lebron James and Anthony Davis have been an absolute show on the court. But that's been about it. Lebron and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers scoring outside of their two superstars has been inconsistent to say the least. Kyle Kuzma, the third year player who everyone had hoped would be the Lakers third scoring option, has been extremely hit or miss, and not at all inspiring. Danny Green, the so called sharpshooter that the Lakers acquired in the off season, is shooting just 41%, and averaging only 8 points per game. Aside from big men Javale Mcgee and Dwight Howard, the Lakers seem to be lacking that third scoring option, that trusted person on the court handling the basketball.

Welcome Derrick Rose. The twelfth year veteran who is on a tour to prove himself in the league. Someone who has tasted the spotlight as the youngest MVP, has fought through injuries and trials, and is still hungry for something. What better motivation for Derrick Rose is there than to win a championship.

Is Derrick Rose worth trading multiple pieces for? Absolutely.