Luol Deng’s ill-fated NBA career only lasted 16 seasons. After spanning a major chunk of this time with the Chicago Bulls, he gradually moved on to somewhat greener pastures in the Lakers. There, he stayed for 4 years with a $72 million contract. Today, he’s on a different path.

He’s leading the South Sudanese team at the Paris Olympics with his efforts. A country that only recently got independence, a country that gave Team USA a taste of their own medicine. The remarkable achievements South Sudan has garnered in the past few years at an international level are commendable. And who’s responsible for this kind act? It’s Luol Deng himself.

But if he’s doing such a fantastic job, why are people suddenly countering him? Well, as it turns out, all the expenses needed to lead the South Sudanese basketball team to this level are coming right from his own pocket. He quite literally “bankrolling” the team, as Basket News puts it.

Yes, after signing his latest contract worth $72 million, Deng is giving back to his country, along with the Head Coach, Royal Ivey, who also served as an assistant coach under Ime Udoka (Rockets). Together, they’re promoting the basketball scene there as the president of the basketball federation in his country.

And Royal Ivey is all praise for Deng. Crediting him, he said, “Luol Deng has been funding this thing for four years out of his own pocket. He pays for gyms, hotels, plane tickets—everything. Kudos to Luol and the staff. We wouldn’t have been able to put this team together without them”. 

Luol Deng is involved in raising funds and helping to boost the country’s visibility in international sports. He paid for their gyms, hotels, and plane tickets. While some people cheer Deng for his kindness, some backlash against him for misuse of his $72 Million Lakers Fortune earnings in South Sudan. And on Sunday, they’ve justified the “investments” Deng is putting in. They’ve won their first Olympic games against Puerto Rico.

Yet, even while all the narrative seems in their favor so far, there’s a lot of backlash coming in for the noble cause. Some are criticizing his philanthropy saying that earning such a high salary from one of the most traditional franchises in the NBA and not contributing enough to that team isn’t what is expected out of a Lakers player. Fans complain that Deng is rather “misusing” the fortunes he’s earned so far, fueling debate about his value and impact.

Fans aren’t happy with Luol Deng’s “contributions”

Limited playing time and an underwhelming performance are two phrases that best define Deng’s contribution to the NBA. Many fans and analysts are visibly frustrated and disappointed in Deng and his contributions, no matter how noble they sound. The frustrating question in people’s minds? Why is he using the Lakers’ money for this initiative? 

Yes, as appalling as it sounds, many question his intentions. This fan feels that it’s the Lakers who are indirectly funding the South Sudanese Olympics adventures this year.

Even though the fan was respectful towards Deng, for his humility amidst this all, many fans felt Lakers’ management deserved better.

And despite the criticism, some of Deng’s supporters highlight his dedication to his heritage and his impactful role in boosting South Sudan’s sports visibility. They argue that his financial support is a positive and noble use of his resources, reflecting his commitment to his homeland.

Deng also thanked the South Sudan Government and President Salva Kiir Mayardit for their immense support as he said, “His commitment to South Sudan’s sports development has been instrumental in our journey, and his backing is crucial to the success of our initiatives.”

He also believes that for many years what Africa lacked was the support and he will continue to support but only basketball but also youth.

The controversy surrounding Luol Deng’s use of his $72 million Lakers earnings to support South Sudan’s basketball team underscores a complex debate about the allocation of professional sports income. While supporters commend Deng’s dedication to his homeland and his significant contributions to the country’s sports development.

As the discussion continues, it reflects broader issues about athletes’ responsibilities and the impact of their financial decisions on both personal and public levels. Deng’s situation highlights the intricate balance between professional success and meaningful philanthropy.