Los Angeles Lakers: Luol Deng and the worst contracts in franchise history

2. Timofey Mozgov: Four years, $64 million (2016-20)

Here’s the second of three among the bunch of crippling deals Buss and Kupchak decided to burden the franchise with. Although not as bad as No. 1 on this list, it was certainly a head-scratcher when the news was first announced.

What were the Lakers thinking when they handed Timofey Mozgov, an average-at-best center, $16 million annually over four years? If they were aiming to put together one of the most overpriced contracts in team history, than they hit the nail on the head.

Realistically, Mozgov wasn’t the worst addition to the team. Sure, he’s a substandard starter who struggled to make his presence felt for much of his time with the Cavaliers before landing with the Lakers. Even then, he was serviceable as Los Angeles’ top center in 2016-17, posting 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game.

The big problem was the unfathomable amount of money for a talent of his caliber. There was simply no reason for a fringe starter to be handed $64 million. Then again, it made sense when you consider the front office’s plan for self-destruction.

Somehow, though, Mozgov’s deal wasn’t nearly as toxic as the one that tops this list.