Veteran forward, Luol Deng of the Los Angeles Lakers have been on the radar for trading options as he is said to be joining the Houston Rockets in exchange for Trevor Ariza and Corey Brewer.
Deng who was a former NBA All-star was signed by the Lakers during the off-season for a whopping $72 million four-year contract. Deng's acquisition is expected to bring veteran leadership to the young core of the Lakers. However, Headlines and Global News reports that Deng is struggling to fit in with the team.
Just within 10 games, Deng is averaging 5.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. His stats as a starter is disappointing as Deng averages 15.4 points and 6.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists in his solid career. Clearly, with his struggle in his performance early this season, fans have been questioning if his acquisition was worth it.
Despite Deng's rough start, it was clarified that his role was not put up big numbers and fill the stat sheet. But to provide guidance and leadership to the young players like D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and Brandon Ingram, according to The Orange County Register. As far as veteran leadership is concerned, the Lakers can acquire a more reliable and efficient player for an affordable price.
Players like Trevor Ariza of the Houston Rockets is one of the options for this possible trade. Ariza was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2008-2009 season where eventually that team went straight to the NBA finals and won a championship. The athletic forward is now in his 13th NBA season and could still give good numbers for his team.
The trade scenario will also include Corey Brewer as both Ariza and Brewer's salaries are under $10 million this season while Deng is making $18 million. If traded, the two players can fill in that leadership development and add up scoring options for the Lakers.
With the Lakers unexpected 6-4 start this season, they are placed in the 6th seed and is in current pace for a playoff spot in a tough Western Conference. And with this potential trade, Ariza and Brewer could be a good investment for the Lakers in the long run. For now, fans have to wait and see whether the Lakers will pull the trigger for this exciting trade possibility.
