The Lakers reportedly have reached an agreement to buy out the final two seasons of Luol Deng's contract, according to ESPN.
Although the 33-year-old veteran forward appeared in only one game last season, this news has big implications for the Lakers. According to ESPN, it gives the team enough salary cap room to pursue a max-contract free agent next offseason.
Deng had signed a four-year, $72 million contract before the 2016-17 season, but had fallen out of favor as the team embraced its youth movement. After playing the opener last season, Deng sat the rest of the year.
ESPN reports that "several contenders" are expected to be interested in Deng's services in free agency. A two-time All-Star, the 6-9 Deng has averaged 15 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in his career.
