Luol Deng Discussion: No #Dengdump, Rather Stretched Into Cash

Discussion in 'NBA Discussion' started by trodgers, Jul 2, 2016.

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  1. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    His shooting is a hindrance to the starting lineup, but he has been asked to do things he's unused to and unsuited for. Deng is not a dribble up three point shooter, he's not a ball handler, and he's not a lock-down perimeter defender anymore.

    I have faith that at least his shooting will turn around a little. He's clearly in his own head. Last night he missed a layup, got the rebound, got fouled, and laughed ruefully at his mistake. He knows he's not shooting well.

    He still brings good leadership, passing, making the right reads and making few mistakes with the ball out there. We always knew he'd be overpaid, but it shouldn't be this much of a problem all year.
     
    therealdeal, Nov 16, 2016
    #321
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  2. lakerjones

    lakerjones Moderator Staff Member

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    I think that's pretty fair, realdeal. It does seem like he's not comfortable out there half the time. But I am also a bit concerned about his legs. He just seems a step behind a lot of the time, and then the shooting is always short. Hopefully he gets himself into better running shape and gets a little more spring in those legs to knock down the open jumpers. We don't need him to be great - but we do need more than what he's giving us right now. I will say that he's rebounding well, which is something.
     
    lakerjones, Nov 16, 2016
    #322
  3. Khmrp

    Khmrp - Lakers Legend -

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    "Leadership" means jack if you're not doing what you're paid to do.
     
    Khmrp, Nov 16, 2016
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  4. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    The legs are absolutely a concern and I honestly don't know that they'll improve. His slower response time is exactly why everyone before the season started was saying he's a better 4 than 3 at this point in his career. He's not quick enough anymore to keep up on the perimeter consistently. I don't know that can be fixed or changed. His jumper falling would be nice though.
     
    therealdeal, Nov 16, 2016
    #324
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  5. abeer3

    abeer3 - Lakers Legend -

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    i haven't really seen him getting burned on the perimeter much, tbh. the shooting has been the main issue. if it's really gone, that's a problem (at the 3 or the 4), but i don't think we can know yet.
     
    abeer3, Nov 16, 2016
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  6. wallangong

    wallangong - Lakers 6th Man -

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    Leadership is a huge part of what he's getting paid to do, so i don't see your point here. Nobody is disagreeing that Deng has been a disappointment, but you're unwillingness to acknowledge veteran leadership is troubling.
     
    wallangong, Nov 16, 2016
    #326
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  7. Purp n Gold

    Purp n Gold - Rookie -

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    I like Ingram remaining in the 2nd unit, but I also think Deng should be playing more 4. I don't know where that lineup exists combined with Moz, Randle and Nance though.
     
    Purp n Gold, Nov 16, 2016
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  8. TIME

    TIME Administrator Staff Member

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    If we're talking 18 million a year then I agree 100%. I'd be fine with Deng as a Vet-min leader.
     
    TIME, Nov 16, 2016
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  9. TIME

    TIME Administrator Staff Member

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    Yeah he really really is better suited at this point in his career to a small ball #4 role, but he happens to be the third best small ball #4 on the roster. I don't want him taking minutes from either Randle or Nance.
     
    TIME, Nov 16, 2016
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  10. kobecory8

    kobecory8 - Rookie -

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    Deng needs to play the 4. I dont know how we could make that happen though. Last eyar when he played the 3 for the Heat he was terrible, but when he played the 4 he was above league average starter. Really hard with Julius and Nance playing as they are playing.
     
    kobecory8, Nov 16, 2016
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  11. sirronstuff

    sirronstuff - Lakers Legend -

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    Our most expensive player....

    [​IMG]
     
    sirronstuff, Nov 16, 2016
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  12. Purp n Gold

    Purp n Gold - Rookie -

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    I'm gonna go there - imagine H-Barnes starting at the 3 instead :Crazyartest:
     
    Purp n Gold, Nov 16, 2016
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  13. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    I agree. I know @abeer3 agrees.

    However, from the FO perspective they'd probably not want the pressure of drafting Ingram and having a max player on top of him that's also young and needs time. Instead, overpay for the vet who will live out his contract in time for Ingram to take over. I don't agree with that approach, but I feel like it affected the decision to go for Deng instead of Barnes.
     
    therealdeal, Nov 16, 2016
    #333
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  14. sirronstuff

    sirronstuff - Lakers Legend -

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    When you play like crap, s*** like this happens.


    [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2016
    sirronstuff, Nov 16, 2016
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  15. abeer3

    abeer3 - Lakers Legend -

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    uh, yeah, i was on that train all summer. i wanted barnes. i suppose the FO was concerned about waiting out FA and being left holding the bag (legit fear, too). but if kd went, i wanted barnes and bogut. mozgov and deng was the very poor man's version of that package. but it was clearly the safer bet (UFA, no trade necessary).

    plus, dallas got both and appears to be headed for the cellar. still, replace mozgov and deng with barnes an bogut, and i'd be thinking playoffs right now.

    water under the bridge now, so let's hope deng proves his worth as a mentor and glue guy. or pray owners and the league change their mind on amnesty. they owe the lakers a few favors at this point...
     
    abeer3, Nov 16, 2016
    #335
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  16. LTLakerFan

    LTLakerFan - Lakers Legend -

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    LOL sirron. Had to happen ....knew it. Not because of Luol .... rather that fetish of yours with Poo Scott gone now and A. Brown as well. :Laugh:
     
    LTLakerFan, Nov 16, 2016
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  17. Purp n Gold

    Purp n Gold - Rookie -

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    Makes me really wonder what the FO's assessment of the team and Ingram at that point. They probably had no idea how good this team was going to be, or that Ingram at this point of his career is more of a basketball swiss army knife than go-to scorer. Not to mention the reemergence of Nick Young.

    For the record abeer3, if we had Barnes alone I would be thinking playoffs right now.
     
    Purp n Gold, Nov 16, 2016
    #337
  18. LTLakerFan

    LTLakerFan - Lakers Legend -

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    Oh go ahead and think them anyway. Won't cost anything to be wrong. Do it all the time here.

    :Crazyartest:
     
    LTLakerFan, Nov 16, 2016
    #338
  19. KareemtheGreat33

    KareemtheGreat33 - Lakers MVP -

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    And there it is....:rofl:
     
    KareemtheGreat33, Nov 16, 2016
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  20. LTLakerFan

    LTLakerFan - Lakers Legend -

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    LTLakerFan, Nov 20, 2016
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