Sources: Luol Deng agrees to $72M deal with Lakers

Sources: Luol Deng agrees to $72M deal with Lakers

By Shams Charania of The Vertical

Yahoo Sports

Free-agent forward Luol Deng has reached agreement on a four-year, $72 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told The Vertical. After coming to terms with Timofey Mozgov and re-signing Jordan Clarkson early in free agency, adding Deng, 31, further complements a young Lakers core of Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and No. 2 overall draft pick Brandon Ingram. Deng had significant discussions with several teams, including the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz, before committing to the Lakers, sources said. Deng averaged 12.3 points, six rebounds and 1.9 assists in 74 games for the Miami Heat last season. When the Heat lost Chris Bosh for the season in mid-February, Deng moved to power forward and had success. He signed with the Heat in 2014 and replaced the departed LeBron James in the starting lineup. In 12 NBA seasons, Deng has averaged 15.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists for Chicago, Cleveland and Miami. He made consecutive All-Star teams in 2012 and 2013 with Chicago. For the Lakers, Deng will provide versatility and an ability to shoot, slash and make plays. Deng has a solid reputation on and off the court, serving as a steady professional. Deng was the No. 7 pick in the 2004 NBA draft.