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Los Angeles Lakers: Should LA trade or trust ahead of the NBA trade deadline?

By Jacob Doole

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Jordan Clarkson #6 and Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the first half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on October 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Jordan Clarkson #6 and Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the first half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on October 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 22: Luol Deng #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes around Josh McRoberts #4 of the Miami Heat during a game at American Airlines Arena on December 22, 2016 in Miami, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 22: Luol Deng #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes around Josh McRoberts #4 of the Miami Heat during a game at American Airlines Arena on December 22, 2016 in Miami, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Luol Deng

Whether or not Luol Deng stays with the Lakers is not entirely in their hands. His non-existent production and ridiculous contract have made him almost immovable.

While it appeared impossible for him to justify the remaining three years and $54 million on his contract, Lakers fans hoped he could at least prove himself capable of contributing to a team.

Alas, that hasn’t eventuated, and his trade value remains well in the negative. Deng has only appeared in one game this season, and this combined with his contract makes him very difficult to move.

According to Basketball Insiders, only eight teams across the league currently have any salary cap space. Of those eight, only four have more than $5 million dollars to spare; Indiana ($6.1 million), Phoenix ($8.9 million), Dallas ($12.5 million) and Chicago ($15 million).

Trading with any of them to clear cap space would require expiring contracts coming back in return. But would any of these rebuilding teams be willing to pay Deng for another two years of mediocrity?

It’s possible that someone would swallow that contract if another asset was involved. This is where the decision becomes difficult for the Lakers.

They’ve already made the call once during the most recent offseason. Timofey Mozgov’s similarly ludicrous deal was traded to Brooklyn. The big return for the Nets was 2015 number two pick D’Angelo Russell.

While Russell struggled in LA, he’s thrived thus far in a new environment. The concern for the Lakers in any Deng trade would be the similar assets necessary to entice a potential trade partner.

They already owe their 2018 first-round pick to either Boston or Philadelphia. Would they be willing to include their 2019 pick in a deal, when they would (theoretically) have their new star acquisitions and a lower draft spot?

What about a young player? Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram are untouchable in any deal, but could Julius Randle be moved before he hits restricted free agency at the end of the season?

Trading is a two-way street, and Deng could cause some serious congestion in both directions. The Lakers front office will need to decide how much shedding his contract is really worth.

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