Lakers Rumors: Three Steps to Build an Instant Contender

2. Trade Timofey Mozgov or Luol Deng (Or Both)

I cannot begin to fathom how horrible of a decision it was for the Lakers to bring in both Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng on such ridiculous contracts last season. Together the two take up as much as $34 million in cap space with the most affordable season occurring next year where they combine for $32 million dollars.

The Lakers need to get rid of both Mozgov and Deng, and they need to do so fast. Even in a deal where they agree to pay some of the salaries, if that is even possible, needs to be done. While it is very unlikely that the Lakers could get both men out the door if they give up some future second round picks they could convince teams to eat the salary.

This will never happen in real life, so please don’t attack me in the comments. But using a trade finder we managed to get a deal that sent Deng, Mozgov, and two future second-round picks to the Warriors for one of their second-round picks. Like I said, highly unlikely, but the Lakers do need to find some way to clear cap space.

The problem is that Mozgov and Deng are not doing much for the Lakers, and that money can be spent elsewhere. Deng averages 7.6 points per game while Mozgov averages 7.4 points per game. The Lakers could pay half of what they are paying between the two for someone who scores as much as they do combined.

This will hands down be the hardest step in the process for the Lakers, but if they can get rid of these ridiculous contracts in some capacity, it will be a great sign for the future.