NBA Trade Deadline: Lakers trying to move Timofey Mozgov, Luol Deng

The Los Angeles Lakers (18-36) are willing to move Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov ahead of the Feb. 23 NBA Trade Deadline, per reports. The veteran duo joined the Purple & Gold last offseason on four-year contracts but don't feature in the team's long-term plans that prioritises the young core of Brandon Ingram, D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Ivica Zubac, Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson.

Both Deng and Mozgov lost their starting roles to Ingram and Tarik Black during the Lakers' 121-107 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday. While Deng played 24 minutes off the bench, Mozgov didn't receive any playing time behind Black, Zubac and Nance, who shared the bulk of the minutes at the centre position.

Deng and Mozgov aren't the most coveted veterans on the trade market but they could help playoff teams that are either battling with injuries or seeking steady locker room leadership. While Deng and the Lakers agreed to a four-year, US$72 million (AU$94 million) contract last summer, Mozgov joined the Purple & Gold on a four-year, US$64 million (AU$83 million) deal. At the time, several analysts criticised the Lakers front office for overpaying a pair of ageing veterans. It's safe to say that they were proven right.

Deng was previously linked to the Minnesota Timberwolves due to his ties with Tom Thibodeau, under whom the Sudanese forward blossomed into an All-Star during his days with the Chicago Bulls. Several Lakers insiders suggest that the team would find more takers for Deng, whose defence and veteran leadership is coveted around the league. However, they could struggle to find any suitors for Mozgov, who averaged less than 20 minutes per game during the month of January for a tally of 5.9 points and 5.1 rebounds.

NBA Trade Deadline: Lakers open to making some trades

According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Lakers, led by general manager Mitch Kupchak, are "open to trades but anything involving young guys is very pricey." Over the last few seasons, the Lakers have been the least active team during deadline days, riding mediocre teams into the NBA lottery, with hopes of keeping their top-3 protected pick. This season, the team has shown signs of progress but it is still a couple of pieces away from competing with the elite of the West. Will the Lakers trade a veteran or two to open up the books for free agents next year?

According to ESPN's Basketball Power Index (BPI), the team has a 44.4 percent chance of holding onto their top-3 pick during June's NBA Draft. Insider Chad Ford is of the opinion that the Lakers will increase their chances of holding onto the pick by giving additional playing time to the youth.

With Lakers coach Luke Walton firmly behind the likes of Black, Zubac and Ingram, it's hard to foresee either Deng or Mozgov starting a game for the remainder of the season. Walton, who called Black the team's "best defensive player" during a chat with The Orange County Register, had previously emphasised that the team would give additional playing time to the youngsters in the aftermath of the All-Star break. Will the Lakers trade either veteran by the coming deadline? Stay tuned for the latest news and updates in the lead-up to the Feb. 23 NBA Trade Deadline.