Veteran forward Luol Deng had a quiet season for the Heat in 2015-16. Averaging just 12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 32.4 minutes per game, he wasn’t a standout. But he’s still a solid addition to any team. Why the Lakers, though? A veteran presence, for one. Still, considering the Lakers youth movement, this is a surprising signing, especially considering how many years the deal is for. Not sure why the Lakers are doing it. Here’s the L.A. Daily News blog reporting:
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The Lakers and Luol Deng agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal, according to league sources. Deng had extensive conversations with other NBA teams, including the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz. Deng also had a meeting with the Jazz on Friday, sources said.
But Deng likes the Lakers young players, including D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. Deng also talked with Lakers coach Luke Walton and was “pleased with the conversation,” sources said. Deng also liked the Lakers consistently stayed in touch after reaching out shortly after free agency began on Thursday at 9:01 p.m. PT.
