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The Los Angeles Lakers’ third big move of free agency (after signing Timofey Mozgov to a four-year, $64 million deal and re-signing Jordan Clarkson for four years at $50 million) was to solidify their wing rotation with the addition of Luol Deng. The Miami Heat unrestricted free agent agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal with the Lakers on Saturday morning in what will (probably) be the team’s last big move of free agency.
Deng coming aboard provides the Lakers with numerous lineup options. He will save rookie Brandon Ingram from always having to take the toughest wing defensive assignments, while also giving new head coach Luke Walton the option to go small with Deng at the four at times.
His stabilizing presence in the locker room could prove even more valuable for a very young Lakers team, and the 12-year veteran seems to already be embracing his new city as well. Deng was spotted at a Los Angeles Sparks game just one day after agreeing to terms with the Lakers:
We see you @LuolDeng9 sitting courtside - supporting your #Sparks and the #NYLiberty #WNBA#WelcometoLA
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LA_Sparks) July 3, 2016
@LuolDeng9 sitting court side with us!!!! #LakersNation WELCOME TO LA!!!! #Sparks #ESPN pic.twitter.com/fau1HT8D4C
— Valverde (@HoopAddict247) July 3, 2016
It’s cool to see Deng is already supporting his Staples Center co-tenants, and clearly he just wants to get some more time around the purple and gold.
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