Luol Deng Regrets $72 Million Lakers Deal

Luol Deng says signing a four-year, $72 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 changed his view of the NBA after the team reduced his role and eventually removed him from the rotation. Deng had wanted to remain with the Miami Heat, but said Pat Riley advised him to accept the Lakers’ substantially larger offer. He expected to help lead Los Angeles after Kobe Bryant’s retirement, but the Lakers shifted toward developing younger players, leaving Deng frustrated by what he described as inconsistent messages about his role. Deng played sparingly in his first season and did not appear after February 2017 despite being healthy, which he said diminished his enjoyment and love of the game.