"DeMar DeRozan is home again and he's not exactly shy about letting everyone know how happy this has made him.

With practice winding down and the media just getting into the daily discussion with head coach Jay Triano, the gym erupted as DeMar DeRozan came in from behind an unsuspecting Patrick O'Bryant and dunked over the 7-footer.

"That's a statement," DeRozan said. "I'm taking all big men out. That's my new statement. I'm going to get CB next."

That little bit of foolishness is a perfect example of how much more comfortable DeRozan is, even on his own team, than he was the last time he came home with the Raptors.

"I think the first time I think I was just a month into my NBA career," DeRozan said. "Now I've got a few games under my belt. It shouldn't phase me as much this time."

That first time the Raps were in Los Angeles was for a visit with the Clippers and DeRozan's night lasted all of 11 minutes and four seconds in which he managed to score two points, commit one turnover and get called for two personal fouls. The Raps came back to win the game, but by then, DeRozan was nailed to the bench.

It wasn't what you would call a memorable homecoming, and DeRozan is prepared to make amends."