Luol Deng agrees to 4-year, $72M deal with the LA Lakers

[BudweiserCeltic]

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Free agent Luol Deng has reached agreement on a four-year, $72 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources tell The Vertical.

[jambr380]

Wow - $18M/yr over the full four years for Deng? They now have signed Mozgov and Deng and retained Clarkson. I am not sure I see a clear plan for the LAL.

If we don't get Horford / Durant, I think I am ready to punt the rest of free agency unless we are just signing mega one year deals.

[Roy H.]

The Lakers are the example of what happens when a team's cap space is burning a hole in its pocket.

They blew what, $50 million per year on Deng, Clarkson and Mozgov?

[Evantime34]

I'm in the minority but I like this signing for the Lakers. They weren't going to bring in a star, the most they could hope for was to bring in a very who would be a good locker room presence for the young guys.

People don't like the money he got signed to, but it was pretty similar to what other ancillary starters are making in free agency this year.

I liked Deng as a back up if Horford doesn't sign. The list of names who would be good signings if we can't get Horford and Durant is shrinking.

[saltlover]

I was hoping for Deng as a backup plan at 4 years, $62 million, but this seems reasonable because I'm sure my Celtics brain wanted a discount.

[TA9]

Glad it isn't us. What's the point of paying a 31 year old (who is already showing signs of regression) that much money over 4 years.

[MBunge]

The Lakers first rounder goes to Philly next year if it isn't top 3, so they've got no reason to not try and be as good as they can.  They're years from even thinking about being a contender.  It's not like Deng's contract will keep them out of the Durant sweepstakes next year. 

Mike

[Moranis]

Lakers need to rebuild their image so major free agents will actually consider them.  The best way to do that is sign veterans to improve the win total and help guide all the young players.  I just don't see the point in a 4 year deal for Deng. 

[Celtics4ever]

Deng is solid signing, Mozgov was a joke.

[dannyboy35]

Nice. So Stevens has less of a chance to bury a developing player on the pine.

[Who]

They have Ingram at SF and Randle at PF.

Where does Deng play? $18 million a year for a bench forward? Jesus.

[dannyboy35]

The Lakers are the example of what happens when a team's cap space is burning a hole in its pocket.

They blew what, $50 million per year on Deng, Clarkson and Mozgov?

Yup. Terrible.

[Who]

Significant loss for Miami. That should drop them down a level.

If they lose D-Wade too, Miami is no longer a playoff team.

[tazzmaniac]

They have Ingram at SF and Randle at PF.

Where does Deng play? $18 million a year for a bench forward? Jesus.

Ingram will split time at SG and SF.  I'm expecting him to come of the bench initially. 

[hodgy03038]

Another free agent bites the dust. We have all of our eggs in one basket. Horford. And if that doesn't work out we are sitting there with lots of money and a team worse than last year while other teams improve.

C'mon Horford - SIGN!!