It's been a lost season for the injury-riddled Los Angeles Lakers as Mike D'Antoni's squad was eliminated from postseason contention, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2005. The problems have led many fans to look ahead to the summer. One attractive name hitting the market this July that the Lakers may pursue come NBA free agency is Luol Deng of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Deng has been the subject of rumors ever since he told Cleveland that he is likely to depart the Cavaliers through free agency due to unhappiness with the franchise. The Lakers have emerged as a possible landing spot for the former Duke standout.
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According to the New York Daily News, many teams will be interested in Deng, 28, once he hits the market in July, however the Lakers are also a possible suitor for the 6-foot-8 small forward as the franchise could use another star player, especially a younger star player. The Lakers could have Kobe Bryant pass the torch to Deng as the next leader of the team.
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According to the Digital Journal, the Lakers could look to pursue Deng since Pau Gasol is expected to depart from the team at the end of the season. With Gasol's potentially impeding departure opening up a hole in the team's roster, the Lakers could look to fill the void by signing Deng.
The Lakers have struggled this season due to a rash of injuries and some poor performances, but D'Antoni wasn't in any mood to reflect on the season before it is over.
"I don't want to reflect now because I'm still in the middle of it," D'Antoni told the Daily News. "We're just trying to do the best job we can do and help these guys out and try to develop some guys. I'm not reflecting. I don't have time. It's not fair for anybody to reflect."
Deng, who is reportedly upset with the Cavaliers and wants out of Cleveland, has averaged nearly 17 points per game this season while also averaging six rebounds.
Deng spent 10 seasons in Chicago with the Bulls before being traded to the Cavaliers this season, and will be looking to escape due to unhappiness. Reports have indicated that the Lakers and Dallas Mavericks are expected to heavily pursue him come the end of the season.
While it remains to be seen where Deng ultimately ends up, it is very likely he could be moving out west in pursuit of an NBA championship.
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