The Los Angeles Lakers weren’t able to sign any superstars or All-Star-caliber talent over the summer. Kevin Durant, DeMar DeRozan, Al Horford, and every other name linked with the team decided against even talking the struggling Lakers. Luol Deng, however, was intrigued by the team’s four-year offer and inked a lucrative deal with Los Angeles.
With Lakers training camp in Santa Barbara now in the books, Deng talked about his impression of his new team after a week of working closely with teammates on a day-to-day basis, via Joey Ramirez of Lakers.com.
“The young guys have been phenomenal, and I really mean that,” Deng said. “It’s my 13th year but when I came in I didn’t know what to expect. As I got to know the guys, I can really say that they’re really hungry.”
Clearly, Deng likes what he sees with the young core making an impression on the veteran over the past week. The impressive work ethic of the young core of D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., and rookie Brandon Ingram continues to be the narrative in Los Angeles. Although they’re all young with a lot to learn, the team is eager and willing to learn as much as possible to take the next step.
The arrival of Luke Walton also appears to be the right move. Walton has received nothing but high praise from his players since being hired and throughout training camp. The team’s culture has already been established and accepted by the players which bodes well for what could be a much improved season and a potentially promising future ahead for the Lakers.