SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 28: Luol Deng #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket past the defense of Rodney Hood #5 of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 28, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
Luol Deng and the Los Angeles Lakers have been experiencing issues together.
The Sudanese-born British forward — who is in his second season with the Lakers — started in the team’s season opener against the Clippers and played just over 13 minutes that night.
Deng, 32, and his agent have spoken to the Lakers about negotiating a deal. However, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reports the two sides are not even close to a pact yet. Per Shelburne’s report:
“Deng said he and his agent, Jeff Austin from Octagon sports, have been working with the Lakers to find a resolution to the situation — either via trade or buyout — but he understands it may take weeks, months or even years to settle as he has two years and $26 million remaining on his contract after this year…”
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“You just never know. It could be a month, it could be a week, it could be three months,” Deng said. “I don’t want something to happen and I’m called upon but my shape holds me back. The challenge is to challenge yourself to be in better shape than if I was playing. Then if I fall short I’m still in good shape.”
Free agency begins next July 1, so it remains to be seen what the Lakers decide to do with him.
Deng was the Phoenix Suns’ 7th overall pick out of Duke in 2004. He was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls, with whom he played ten seasons. Deng then briefly joined the Cleveland Cavaliers before playing two seasons with the Miami Heat.
The Lakers (5-5) are 11th in the Western Conference and next visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 28: Luol Deng #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket past the defense of Rodney Hood #5 of the Utah Jazz in the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 28, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
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