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Los Angeles Lakers: Projecting their rotation with Paul George

By Matt Leaman

Mar 15, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) on the court in the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana Pacers beat the Charlotte Hornets 98-77.Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) on the court in the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana Pacers beat the Charlotte Hornets 98-77.Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Feb 3, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Luol Deng (9) controls the ball while Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

SF – Luol Deng

Not a name most Lakers fans want to see starting at this position, but going into his second season of a four-year, $72 million contract, it will be nearly impossible to move him this offseason. If Deng can stay healthy and provide valuable minutes early in the season he could improve his trade value and the Lakers could hope to move him and dump that contract before the trade deadline during the season. This would allow Brandon Ingram more time to develop and polish his game before the Lakers ask for a bigger role out of him going forward.

Deng has averaged 15 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over 14 NBA seasons with the Bulls, Heat, Cavs, and Lakers. He provides veteran leadership and knows what it’s like playing on a playoff contending team, which is what the Lakers will be looking to do this year if they can pull off the trade for Paul George.

Last season with the Lakers, Deng started only 49 games while playing in 56 games total. As a huge disappointment, he only averaged 7.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, along with 1.3 assists. With that being said, the only reason he finds his way into the starting five next season will be the hope he finds his rhythm again improving his trade value so the Lakers can make the push to move his contract.

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