Luol Deal is one of the new acquisitions for the Los Angeles Lakers in this NBA 2016-2017 season. He actually signed a lucrative four-year $72 million in the offseason. But so far, Luol Deng has been struggling to fit in with the young Lakers team.
In his starting role with the Lakers, Deng averages 5.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists this season. His career average of 15.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists. In terms of scoring, it is clearly evident that he is struggling.
Given his big salary, Deng should be playing a huge role in the Lakers organization. But in his last 3 games with the Lakers, he only average 1.3 points per game.
Deng seems to be uncomfortable with the Lakers' system. But according to The Orange County Register, Deng didn't sign a big contract to the Lakers for big statistical contributions. He was signed for veteran leadership and guide the young core of D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram and Jordan Clarkson.
But if veteran role is needed, Lakers could get a more reliable player for a cheaper price. Someone like Trevor Ariza of the Houston Rockets. Ariza is in his 13th NBA season now and is a member of the 2008-2009 Lakers who won an NBA Title.
Trevor Ariza has a salary of $7.8 million this season while Deng has a salary of $18 million. For this trade to happen, the Houston Rockets might include Corey Brewer who has a salary of around $7.6 million.
Both Ariza and Brewer are in the starting lineup of the Houston Rockets. But as reported by The Dream Shake, Brewer might be back to the bench once the injured Patrick Beverley becomes healthy.
Both Ariza and Brewer are also veterans that can guide young players and might play crucial roles if ever the Los Angeles Lakers can make it to the playoffs this season. And believe it or not, the Lakers can actually make it to the playoffs this season in the competitive Western Conference.
At 6-4, the Los Angeles Lakers are in 6th place in the Western Conference right now. They already won against some of the NBA elite teams right now like the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks and NBA superteam Golden State Warriors.
The young core of Russell, Randle, Ingram and Clarkson are starting to reach their potential as NBA players. Plus the new head coach Luke Walton seems to apply a fitting system for the Lakers.
And because the Lakers are in pace for the playoffs, trading Luol Deng for Trevor Ariza and Corey Brewer might be necessary to improve this young Los Angeles team.
Will this trade be pushed through? Stay tuned for more NBA trade rumors and updates.
