Are the Lakers interrested in Luol Deng?

Question

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9556

Who can fit better at the SF position?

Odom or Deng

Answer 1

The Lakers are interested in every NBA player except those in their present lineup who are the weakest and gayest players in the league.

Answer 2

its says right there in the article that the lakers are interested.

Answer 3

No they are not. Anyways Luol Deng is better but he will ruin the Lakers chemistery. Sorry.

Answer 4

I am a Lakers fan and I hope the Lakers get Luol Deng.

Answer 5

No way is Deng better than Odom!...

Mitch would be dumb to make that trade

Answer 6

Given Luol Deng's day in Chicago could be numbered, I am not surprised for Lakers exploring such possibility - still remember Kobe's pre-condition to play for Bulls a year ago - with Deng on the team.

That means Lakers can add a talent who can also please Kobe. While Lamar Odom could be on the verge in a related sign-trade, I would say neither has notable edge to start at SF.

Deng's major weakness is lack of perimeter shooting, an area which Odom is also below average; but minus Odom means a decreasing 3PT production from SF - Vladimir Radmanovic can shoot but still not consistent enough to log heavy minutes, Trevor Ariza is a Ricky Davis-like slasher, and you can't rely on Luke Walton for solid 3PT contribution because he is not a shooter in nature. It wouldn't be a problem only if Phil Jackson gives a green light to Kobe to shoot more often from downtown and assigns Deng to take up more slashing duties.

Odom has long been criticized for his mental toughness, an area which Deng is not spectecular at all. The only difference is Deng should be more motivated to get things done on both end from time to time (Odom gives up O in crucial moments but Deng doesn't).

My bold prediction is should Lakers secure Deng via sign-and-trade, his contract size is less likely be as large as or even larger than Odom, based on the assumptions that: 1) Deng won't mind to play along with Kobe for less money and; 2) Deng wants champ for now. However, Lakers should have to offer an amount no less than what Corey Maggette is earning at present.

I also foresee that such a sign-and-trade would include some other components - my wild guess is Lakers could offer Luke Walton as a subsequent piece in the deal for either Tyrus Thomas or Joakim Noah (By the way, the reason why Lakers do not waive Coby Karl is that he is as versatile as Luke Walton, but with a consistent perimeter shooting and at a cheaper price). The return is not bad for both sides.