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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 way-too-early bold predictions for 2017-18

By Gil Alcaraz IV

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 23: Magic Johnson, president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Lakers shares a laugh with the media during a press conference on June 23, 2017 at the team training faculity in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 23: Magic Johnson, president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Lakers shares a laugh with the media during a press conference on June 23, 2017 at the team training faculity in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 28: Luol Deng #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to shoot the ball during their game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 28, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

Lakers find a sucker to trade Luol Deng to

Speaking of PG13, the Lakers still need to secure more cap space if they plan on making a run at George and LeBron James in 2018 free agency. They already got rid of Timofey Mozgov and his horrid contract. The next step is discovering a way to unload Luol Deng’s.

Well that’s exactly what I’m predicting will happen this season. Somehow, some way, Magic Johnson will find a taker for Deng. Who knows what it’ll take to convince another team to absorb that albatross of a contract. In the end, though, all that matters is clearing cap space for a free agency spending spree in 2018.

I won’t speculate on which team it will be that pulls the trigger. More than likely, though, it’ll be a rebuilding franchise willing to take on Deng in order to acquire a young asset like Jordan Clarkson or Julius Randle. Getting rid of one of those youngsters isn’t ideal for the Lakers, but may be necessary to facilitate a trade.

Once that happens, the Lakers will have more than enough money to land the big fish in 2018 free agency. Magic is priming this franchise for what seems like an overnight turnaround. Unloading Deng and his $18 million per year would be a big step in that direction.

Considering what this new regime started with, they’ve made significant progress. If this prediction comes true, they’ll be that much closer to earning this franchise some respect.

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