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Los Angeles Lakers: 2016 Offseason Grades

By Gerald Bourguet

July 5, 2016; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers draft picks Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac pose with vice president of basketball operation Jim Buss following their introductory press conference at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
July 5, 2016; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers draft picks Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac pose with vice president of basketball operation Jim Buss following their introductory press conference at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Apr 10, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) reacts after drawing a foul during the first half against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Deng Deal

The Mozgov deal was a jaw-dropper. The Clarkson extension was a step back in the right direction that indicated perhaps the front office had gotten that random act of anarchy out of its system.

The Luol Deng signing — along with the Mozzy deal — said all that needed to be said about the state of the NBA’s historically most prestigious organization.

By signing the 13-year veteran to a massive four-year, $72 million contract, the Lakers revealed where they are as a franchise: No longer relevant enough to appeal to star free agents and looking for locker room veterans to aid their youth movement, but having to drastically overpay in order to land them.

Kobe is one of the all-time greats, but he wasn’t exactly the best example for the youngsters as he looked to go out on his own terms. Bringing in a perennially great teammate and experienced vet like Deng will help set an example for an immature locker room that could use some guidance.

Guys like Russell and Clarkson are a bundle of fun on social media, but let’s face it: they’re not the most mature youngsters running around this league. Russell’s infamous incident with Swaggy P was just one of dozens of signs that this team needed a locker room leader of some sort.

Deng fulfills that need, he eases the pressure off of Ingram to perform right away and he’s still a useful player who can set a proper example on the court as well. Last season for the Miami Heat, Deng came to life in the playoffs, averaging 13.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game on solid .471/.421/.842 shooting splits.

The Lakers won’t need him for his numbers, but he can spread the floor moderately well, gives the roster a bit of needed depth on the wing and can help bolster the NBA’s most porous defense from last season. He’s also got that Duke connection with the new rookie.

This deal isn’t perfect, however, and if it weren’t for Deng’s noted reputation as one of the league’s best teammates, it’d be downright irresponsible to give a four-year contract to a guy with so many minutes to his name who will be 35 by the time his deal ends — and that’s without even mentioning the gargantuan $18 million annual salary attached to it.

Deng is a step in the right direction toward the Lakers rebuilding a championship culture, but he won’t immediately fix the situation, and it’s a steep price/length to pay.

Grade: C+

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