Luol Deng, once a viable contributor for the Chicago Bulls, has become a forgotten member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Normally, players don't discuss the trade rumors attached to them, but Deng made an exception in Chicago when the Lakers battled the Bulls. According to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register, Deng is still hoping for a trade or a buyout from the Lakers.

“It’s been hard,” he said. “It’s not easy not to play, but at the end of the day I’m trying to control what I can control. I’m still there with the team, I’m at practices, I’m trying to help the young guys as much as I can. For me, I would love to play. I don’t know if it will be here to be honest with you.” They’ve made it clear that I’m not wanted here,” he said “so for me I’ve just got to focus on what I got to control. We have talked about it, me and him,” he said. “It’s what the two of us have discussed in private and what is best for both parties.”

Even though Deng has completely fallen out of the Lakers' rotation, he has remained committed to being a mentor for the team's younger players.

“Because it’s not their fault that I’m not playing,” he said. “I can’t really blame them for anything. And plus, they really respect me. Not just basketball-wise, but any time you’re in a locker room and guys really go at you and make fun of you, that’s when you know they’re comfortable with you. If I’m in a locker room where guys are not talking to me then that’s a different situation. But we have a good group of guys. If I don’t help I’ll always regret it.”

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, hopefully, both sides can reach an agreement soon.