The Los Angeles Lakers won't likely give out their assets come the 2018 NBA Draft. Instead, they will save these pieces in preparation for a possible Luol Deng trade.

As reported by Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders, the Lakers might need these assets to themselves get out of Deng's hefty deal.

To recall, Deng signed a four-year, guaranteed $72 million in 2016. He was poised to be the big star for the Lakers after the great Kobe Bryant retired. But management suddenly took a turn away from Deng. Instead of playing him, the team opted to tank and give him a mentorship role.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Nick Wright drops the mic on LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry debateScotty White ·
Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena
Luka Doncic reveals initial thought on living in LA after Lakers tradeJosue Pavon ·
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Lakers set first Cooper Flagg, Mavericks matchup in Las VegasMalik Brown ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers Luka Doncic’s sends ‘speed’ message that will scare rest of NBANathan Yasis ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles after his team scored against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center.
LeBron James’ former teammate provides eye-opening take on GOAT debateAlex House ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before the start of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James doesn’t hold back on clout-chasing trainersRichard Pereira ·

As reported by Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times, Deng said that his current place with the Lakers is not really the best situation for him:

“It sucks,” Deng said. “It's hard.”

“I know what people are thinking,” Deng said. “They're thinking, ‘Yeah, he's not playing, but he's making all this money' … and I would be thinking the same thing.”

“I've never before seen a guy brought over to make a change, but then there was a different change. I had no idea I wasn't going to be part of the plan.”

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka understands what Deng is going through. He had nothing but praise for Deng, saying that the 33-year-old's professionalism is a win for both parties:

“It's important to add this, I mean, Luol has been an unbelievable professional and has stayed very positive,” Pelinka said. “He understands the situation, and at some point, we'll figure out a way to resolve that — that's a win for him and us.”