5. Nerlens Noel
The Lakers’ biggest hole currently is at the center position. Behind JaVale McGee, the Lakers have an injured, unproven rookie, and another undrafted rookie behind him. That’s one of the ugliest depth charts at the position in the league.
Granted, JaVale has played very well. However, as we’ve seen last year with the Warriors, he is at his absolute best in a rotational role. One where he comes off the bench and provides instant energy, offense, and defense. He is not a guy who’ll play 25-30 minutes a night. You do that, and you start inviting the mental and energy lapses that led to McGee being an all-time Shaqtin Fool.
Insert Nerlens Noel. This is a guy the Lakers should’ve signed in the offseason. The Thunder got him for a two-year minimum deal, with an option at the end of the 1st year. The Lakers should have instantly matched that offer. With a deal that good, they could have thrown more at him if they had too.
Noel has a lot of talent. He is lengthy, moves very quickly for someone his size, and in the right system has Defensive Player of the Year potential. Don’t scoff at that last statement. The guy has some of the best physical tools in the game. Due to injuries, and being buried in Philadelphia’s frontcourt logjam, he was unable to show off much of his potential, but it is certainly there.
Thus far this season, Noel is averaging 9.0 points, and 7.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in only 16.2 minutes per game. Granted the sample size is extremely tiny, but in the minutes he’s been given he has produced.
Although obviously unsustainable, his field goal percentage currently sits at 71.4 percent, and his PER is at a gaudy 31. Imagine him in the pick and roll with Lonzo Ball, Rondo Rondo, or LeBron.
On defense, he can use his long arms and quick feet to disrupt passing lanes and protect the rim. The Lakers could use JaVale and Noel as their interchangeable bouncy high-energy bigs. Not to mention the fact that LeBron and Noel previously discussed teaming up. If the King sees potential in you, you’re probably doing something right.
With Noel not getting all that much playing time, and only a minimal financial investment on OKC’s part, the Lakers should be able to pull off a trade without disrupting any of the young core, potentially bringing in a starter. The risk-reward ratio makes this a move the Lakers should heavily look into.