Lakers' Luol Deng: Returns from knee bruise Tuesday

Deng (knee) supplied seven points (3-6 FG, 1-1 FT) and three rebounds over 14 minutes in Tuesday's 109-106 preseason loss to the Blazers.

Analysis:

Deng came into the contest battling a left knee bruise and was only expected to play limited minutes, which is exactly what transpired. The veteran is locked into a starting role at small forward to begin his first season with the Lakers, but he could see his minutes decline as the year wears on and the team looks to carve out more playing time for No. 2 overall pick Brandon Ingram.