Luol Deng’s 4 years at 72 million contract was regarded, at the time of signing, as a good if not great move for the Lakers. Timofey Mozgov’s slightly smaller 4 years at 64 million contract was regarded with disblief and laughter. I was among those poking fun at the Mozgov contract. The Deng contract I didn’t pay much attention to, though I thought it a little large for a player who is noticably declining.
Turns out, the Deng contract is the one looking horrible while the Mozgov one looks pretty good. Deng has been a disappointment to start the season in LA, shooting 34 percent from the field even while getting to start every game. He provides veteran leadership I’m sure, but just can’t score anymore. I guess his rebounding rate is at a career high, that’s something. Definitely better than nothing.
If Deng is this bad this early in the deal, it’s going to be fun to see him in three more years. Really fun. Will he even be able to move?