Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors: Lakers may lose veteran star to young franchise

Luol Deng (right) of the Los Angeles Lakers. | Wikimedia Commons / Zach Primozic

With a positive start to the season, Los Angeles Lakers fans have a lot to be happy about.

As a team used to success, the previous seasons have been tough for Lakers fans as they had to settle for the individual brilliance of Kobe Bryant. However, he could not muster enough strength to get victories.

Bryant is now retired but he has left a legacy that appears to have influenced the young Lakers team of today, and their 7-7 record is more than an improvement.

With this, it is only natural that there are trade rumors surrounding the team. According to the news, the Lakers may lose one of their veteran stars as the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves is looking to reunite with his player.

In a tweet by Bleacher Report, it is understood that Tom Thibodeau is growing impatient with how the Wolves are developing, and is looking to add a familiar face to lead his team.

That player is Luol Deng of the Lakers.

Deng and Thibodeau worked together during their time with the Chicago Bulls as they helped make the Bulls one of the premier teams in the Eastern Conference.

Both have moved on but it seems that the coach wants his star back to help realign his players.

Deng is now 31 years old and is leading the young core of the Lakers.

He may not be scoring as much as he used to, now averaging only 6.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, as compared to 15.4 points during his career as a professional.

The Lakers brought him in exactly because of his experience and veteran leadership. It has clearly rubbed off on players like D'Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram and Jordan Clarkson.

This is something that Thibodeau wants him to bring to Minnesota, if the deal pushes through.

It should be interesting to see who Thibs is willing to give up to get Deng, and how much it would affect the Lakers.