Luol Deng played in only one game last season with the Los Angeles Lakers as they prioritized developing their younger players.
Deng's fit moving forward remains unclear as they have been unable to trade him and didn't need to use the stretch provision on him this offseason.
“I don’t know (where I fit in at the Lakers) I went with what they wanted,” said Deng.
“There has been a lot of talk. Me not playing was not my call. This is an organisational decision. People can say whatever they want to say I respected what they were telling me. Throughout the year I tried to play and every time they said they wanted to play the young guys, so that’s their direction.”
Deng has two more seasons remaining on his contract.
“I don’t know what’s going on now, hopefully soon I will know, I would like to know the answers.
“I know the level I can play at and the decision is something they came up with, whatever the criticism or the plan is, none of it was my decision, people need to understand that. They can say whatever they want, I know I can play the game, they see me at practice every day. If it was a game thing then come out and say it, but the honest truth, it’s the decision they made.
“I want to play, I want to be a part of something. But I’m not going to be a part of a place where you don’t believe in me. I’m not trying to knock down anybody, but I play for people who believe in me.
"I’ve taken every opportunity since day one and proven myself, I’m not going to sit here and give you the right answer, I’m going to be honest about it, for me, if the respect and appreciation is not there then I’d rather be elsewhere.”