Lakers Humorously Rewarding Retired All-Star Same as Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard Combined

Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard will join forces to help the Los Angeles Lakers win a title in the upcoming season. Well, these two caught everyone’s attention and this time it’s all about their salary.

The Lakers’ sixth paid player hasn’t seen action in the last four years. He is not a former star or someone who competes for a title.

Ever heard of Luol Deng?

Deng inked a four-year deal worth $72 million in 2016. He will make about $5 million this season. The Lakers had to make some calculations and this gave Deng a chance to earn money without even stepping on the floor.

Deng’s $5 million more than what Melo and Howard will earn on their own. These two would get about $5 million.

Talented Deng had an underrated career in the league. He made two All-Star teams with the Chicago Bulls and did decent job during his time with Derrick Rose in the early 2010s. He inked his contract with the Lakers at 31.

Those who follow his career know that Deng played under Tom Thibodeau and entered the NBA as a teenager. These two facts led to his unexpected decline.

Deng is now the president of South Sudan’s basketball federation. He is also the coach of the men’s national team.

Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard didn’t come for the money

Melo and Howard inked veteran’s minimum contracts to fit in Rob Pelinka’s packed cap space. Here’s a fun fact. They didn’t join the Lakers for the money. They have earned about $300 million apiece in their NBA careers.

Doubters have criticized the Lakers for inking all those veterans in the offseason. They brought Russell Westbrook through a trade and he is the third superstar Frank Vogel needed. Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington, Kendrick Nunn, Malik Monk, and several others will help the Lakers go for a title in the upcoming season.

LeBron James likes his new team and he has several plans for the offense. Yes, he will take the lead role on the offense, and Westbrook will take some of the load off of his back.