NBA: Luol Deng Unmindful of Move to Inactive Roster

By Brian Yalung

The Los Angeles Lakers are reeling and two of the hefty-priced stars have seen their playing time dwindle. The starts in mention are Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng, two NBA veterans who inked a combined $136 million spread over four years.

For Deng, he understands his demotion to the inactive list. Rather than complain, he totally understands what the Lakers are doing in an interview with the Southern California News Group via Lakers Nation.

The 31-year-old Deng was referring to the changes that head coach Luke Walton was applying, a move to place the young players in situations and how they would react.

One player singled out is Lakers rookie Brandon Ingram. The promising player needs guidance and Deng is expected to mentor him for as long as the Sudanese-British player is in Los Angeles. That includes playing alongside him when given the opportunity or through practice sessions.

Deng is not injured and is actually health. The move to the inactive list may sound off some alarms. But as far as the Lakers small forward is concerned, he is taking the move in a positive light. The Lakers are in a curious transition stage at the moment, hoping to get back on the winning track.