Los Angeles Lakers: 3 worst contracts heading into 2017-18 season

Luol Deng, SF

Contract details: 3 years, $54 million ($17.1 million in 2017-18)

Here it is. The albatross of a contract that lingers large over Johnson and the Lakers. They somehow found a taker for Mozgov’s horrendous deal, but that doesn’t mean the work is done. If they still plan on going all-in during 2017 free agency, Deng’s contract needs to be gone as well.

It’s almost unfathomable that Deng signed a deal paying him $16 million per year just one offseason ago. He’s 32 years old, is a shell of his former self and can’t stay healthy. To make matters worse, the Lakers spent way more than they needed to to get him to sign on the dotted line.

Here’s this tidbit from the OC Register’s Mark Medina:

"“Despite hoping to re-sign with the Miami Heat during the 2016 offseason, Deng found something more enticing. The Lakers offered Deng a four-year, $72 million contract, a product of both a rising salary cap and a rebuilding team in desperate need of a few proven veterans… So, Deng called Heat president Pat Riley and Coach Erik Spoelstra to say ‘this is something I can’t turn down.’ Spoelstra agreed: ‘You have to take that right away.'”"

So essentially, the Lakers outbid themselves to sign a player who was already well past his prime. Sounds like a smart financial move (*sarcasm*), although it makes sense when you consider Buss was likely looking to sabotage more than solve.

Next: 3 Lakers destined for monster seasons in 2017-18

Unfortunately, it’s going to take a desperate team and significant assets to unload Deng’s pricey deal. More than likely, the Lakers will need to part with at least one prospect and maybe a future first-round pick. Either way, it’s a tough pill to swallow, especially for a team looking to keep as many assets as possible to lure in top free agents next offseason.