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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 goals to achieve in 2017-18

Dominic Torres|
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 20: Lonzo Ball #2 (C) of the Los Angeles Lakers is oncgratulated by teammates during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 132-130. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 20: Lonzo Ball #2 (C) of the Los Angeles Lakers is oncgratulated by teammates during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 132-130. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 19: Luol Deng #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers gets introduced before the game against the LA Clippers on October 19, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

2. Luol Deng Needs to be Traded

The Lakers made some poor decisions in free agent last summer, agreeing to two horrific contracts in the 2016 offseason. Unfortunately, the Lakers have shipped off only one of them in center Timofey Mozgov. Small forward Luol Deng was also included in the confusing offseason.

Deng is a great veteran to have on any roster. At 6’9″, Deng is physically capable to handle any wing. Although he may not have the same athleticism he had in Chicago, Deng is still an above average defender. The problem stems from his horrific contract set at $72M split among four years.

If this was someone such as Nicholas Batum, the Lakers would surely be fine with it. However, Deng is past his prime and simply does not fit with the new style the Lakers are taking. The culture and Brandon Ingram are halting his steps towards winning a championship.

Now a trade for Luol Deng (and especially with the money brought in) is extremely hard to find, especially with the landscape of the NBA changing every second. The Lakers need to find a team who is willing to take a huge salary and give up a one-year rental. Until then, unfortunately, the Lakers will have to pay for such a questionable decision.

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