Considering all the factors involved, the deal is something of a mixed bag. While Luol Deng is a solid addition to the Lakers roster, but the length of the contract, combined with his age ultimately make this a questionable move for the Lakers.
With younger options like Maurice Harkless still available, it was a bit surprising for the Lakers to commit so much money and time to an aging player.
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While I consider this to be a positive deal for the Lakers, there is a chance that the final terms of the deal look even better for the franchise.
For instance, if the Lakers have a team option after the third season, or even the second season, that would boost the grade of this deal significantly.
If Deng is able to have an impact on the team’s young core, he should ultimately prove to be a worthwhile investment. While his age makes it unlikely he will be a part of the team once they hit their prime, having a player like Deng in the fold could help them reach their potential. However, he will need to prove that he has enough gas left in the tank to deserve the sizable contract that the Lakers opted to give him.
Overall, the length and cost of this deal reflects an interesting shift in strategy for the Lakers, who seem unconcerned with future cap space after years of making it a priority. After giving a very questionable deal to Timofey Mozgov, the Lakers needed to secure a player who could be a solid contributor for the team on a solid contract.
Next: 5 Reasons Why Timofey Mozgov Could Fit Perfectly In LA
Only time will tell if the Lakers did so by signing Luol Deng.