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Los Angeles Lakers: Luol Deng wants out of Los Angeles

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 2: Luol Deng #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards during the game on February 2, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 2: Luol Deng #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards during the game on February 2, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Recently, Los Angeles Lakers forward Luol Deng stated that he wants to be out of L.A. over a lack of playing time.

As the Los Angeles Lakers moved to .500 with a win over the Memphis Grizzlies, they had one of their players come out and say that he wants out of Los Angeles.

In the Summer of 2016, the Lakers were pretty big spenders, as they inked Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng to big four-year contracts. As a proven player in the NBA, Deng looked like he would be a solid piece for the Lakers moving forward.

However, Deng was a huge disappointment for the Lakers last season. In the 2016-17 season, Deng averaged just 7.6 points per game while shooting under 40 percent. In addition to his struggles shooting, both his assists and rebounds per game were down as well.

After two pretty good seasons with the Miami Heat, Deng really fell off last season. As a player that is making a lot of money per season, Deng’s performance was a big disappointment.

Coming into this season, Deng was expected to be part of the rotation. In the first game of the season, Deng played a little bit, but since he has been out of the rotation. The Lakers have quite a bit of young talent on the roster, and Deng hasn’t played in the last nine games. Recently, Deng spoke with Ramon Shelburne about his desire to leave Los Angeles.

"“It definitely hurts,” Deng told ESPN Monday after the Lakers practiced. “But the only answer for me now is to prove myself away from LA. I’m not asked to play, I’m not in the rotation so I can’t prove myself here."

Deng and the Lakers trying to work on getting him out of Los Angeles will be extremely tricky. Due to Deng’s contract, we have seen what it will take for the Lakers to be able to trade him. In order to rid themselves of Mozgov’s contract, they had to trade D’Angelo Russell with him.

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The Lakers are likely going to be unwilling to move anymore young talent with Deng. This leaves the possibility of a buyout, however, that can be extremely tricky as well for the Lakers. It will be very interesting to see what the Lakers try to do with Deng, as it is clear that he wants out of Los Angeles.

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