Los Angeles Lakers: Five ways to get rid of Luol Deng this summer

5 of 6

(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

This trade is much different from the rest and might not sit well with the Los Angeles Lakers for one reason: Julius Randle. Randle absolutely played his heart out in the second half of the season and has earned the right to get paid by the Los Angeles Lakers.

More from LA Sports Hub

Since he is a restricted free agent, the Lakers have the right to match any offer sheet thrown Randle’s way, which could be a pretty hefty one if it is the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks are rumored to be interested in Randle.

Even if the Lakers want to match the offer sheet, though, Randle can try and use his leverage to force his way out of LA.

Chances are that Randle loves the Lakers and his teammates. However, after failed contract extension talks this last season and an entire season’s worth of trade rumors, Randle may be fed up with the Lakers front office and want out regardless.

Again, this is just speculation, this is not any verified source.

If that is the case, Randle can approach the Lakers and tell the team to trade him to a team, like the Mavericks, in a sign and trade deal that way the Lakers can get something in return.

If that were to happen, the Lakers can attach the salary of Luol Deng and add overall depth to the roster. Wesley Matthews is not a star but is a nice role playing shooting guard that can score the basketball. Dwight Powell would add much-needed size down low for the Lakers.

Depending on the contract that Randle signs, the Lakers would essentially be matching salary for salary in this trade. And while it would be at the expense of Randle, Los Angeles would be a more talented team overall in this deal.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers