Deng (hip) totaled nine points (4-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 0-2 FT), six rebounds and an assist across 10 minutes in Monday's 113-107 preseason loss to the Nuggets.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran was making his exhibition debut after sitting out Saturday's opener and drew even with his primary competition for the backup small forward role, Corey Brewer, in scoring on the night. Deng saw downturns across the board last season, particularly in his offensive numbers, as he posted career lows in scoring percentage (38.7) and points (7.6) over 56 games. However, he may find the second-unit role he's slated for this coming season much more conducive to his aging body, although it remains to be seen how minutes between he and Brewer behind Brandon Ingram might be divided, irrespective of who prevails in their preseason job battle.

Deng (hip) will be available for Monday's preseason game against the Nuggets, Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Deng was held out of Saturday's preseason opener with hip flexor tightness, but as expected, it was nothing overly serious. He'll be good to go ahead of Monday's contest, but it wouldn't be surprising if his minutes were fairly limited, especially considering the the young talent surrounding him that could use extended playing time to get ready for the regular season.

Deng will not play in Saturday's preseason tilt against the Timberwolves due to hip flexor tightness.

EDGE Analysis

Deng underwent surgery for a torn pectoral muscle in May, but it appears a different issue will hold him out of the team's early preseason action. With the team missing a number of regulars Saturday, backups could see a considerable amount of action.

Deng underwent surgery on his right pectoral muscle on Wednesday, Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Lakers expect the veteran forward to make a full recovery by the start of training camp. Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times reports Deng's surgery was needed due to an incident weightlifting recently. He signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Lakers prior to the 2016-17 season, but ultimately underwhelmed in his on-court production. The Lakers opted to shut the Duke product down in mid-march in order to get younger talent playing time, as the team was out of the playoff picture. Given his contract, Deng figures to be a regular in the rotation next season, barring any setbacks with this current injury.

Deng met with coach Luke Walton last week and indicated he would be comfortable sitting out the rest of the season, ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne reports.

EDGE Analysis

Both Deng and Timofey Mozgov, who were signed to contracts this summer worth a combined $136 million over four years, will both be shut down in an effort for the Lakers to find more playing time for their younger players over the final 15 games of the season. The report doesn't come as much of a surprise, considering that Deng hasn't seen the court in any of the past seven games with Walton leaning on Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance as his primary small forwards. While Deng's hefty contract will likely keep him in the rotation at the start of next season, he won't stand to see much of an upgrade in fantasy value, as Ingram and Nance's roles are only likely to grow, not diminish. Assuming Walton sticks to his plan to make Deng inactive the rest of the way, the veteran will finish his first season with the Lakers with averages of 7.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 26.5 minutes per game over 56 appearances.

Deng is inactive for Friday's game against the Celtics for an undisclosed reason, Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Deng has regressed from the team's starting small forward, to a reserve, and now on the inactive roster. There is no apparent issue he is dealing with, but the team appears to be going all in on its youth movement. Brandon Ingram figures to see heavy minutes at small forward with Deng inactive, while Corey Brewer should see the backup minutes.

Deng had zero points (0-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt), four rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 13 minutes during Sunday's 119-98 loss to the Spurs.

EDGE Analysis

Deng has played a combined 31 minutes in the two games following the All-Star break, this after receiving less than 20 minutes only six times through his first 53 appearances this season. It appears that the Lakers are starting to funnel more minutes towards the younger players, and Brandon Ingram scored a career-high 22 points in 35 minutes. Therefore, Deng shouldn't be counted on for consistent fantasy production going forward. Furthermore, this was Deng's fourth scoreless showing of 2016-17, so he wasn't exactly a reliable contributor even prior to this point.

Deng will move to the bench for Monday's matchup with the Knicks, Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Deng has been the Lakers' starting small forward for much of the season but coach Luke Walton is benching him in favor of rookie Brandon Ingram. Deng has played 27.3 minutes per game this season but he could see a reduction in time as long as he's coming off of the bench.

Deng (wrist) is in the starting lineup at small forward for Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers, Mike Trudell of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Deng will play in the contest. He returned to action Sunday versus the Mavericks after missing the previous two games with a wrist injury. He figures to take on a full workload Wednesday.

Deng (wrist) is probable for Wednesday's tilt with the Trail Blazers, Mark Medina of L.A. Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Deng, who was sidelined for two games last week due to a sprained right wrist, returned to the court Sunday against the Mavericks, registering nine points (4-7 FG, 1-3 3Pt), two rebounds and two blocks across 19 minutes in the blowout loss. To make matters worse, the veteran was accidentally hit in the face by Tarik Black during practice Tuesday, forcing him to sit out of the team scrimmage. However, it doesn't seem to be a serious injury and shouldn't effect his status for Wednesday night. Look for more updates on his wrist aliment to come after team shootaround Wednesday morning.