Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players to scout for free agency in Orlando

Los Angeles Lakers scouting target: C Nerlens Noel

Nerlens Noel is someone who I always really liked in the NBA and thought could be much better than he actually was and was simply waiting to take that next leap. He obviously has not taken that leap and at this point, he is who he is in the NBA, a solid role player at the center position.

Right now, center might not seem like that big of a need. The veteran duo of JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard is doing what the team needs them to do and it has worked out great for the Lakers. However, if the team does not plan on bringing back Howard or even DeMarcus Cousins, they are going to need to peruse the market for a center.

Hence why it is important to take a detailed look at how Noel plays in Orlando.

Noel is someone who could perfectly fit into the role that Howard is currently playing off the bench and give the Lakers very similar production. He is averaging one more point per 36 minutes this season and 0.6 more blocks, but with 4.2 fewer rebounds.

That would be the one main difference — Noel is the better shot-blocker but Howard is the better rebounder. However, on the Lakers in the exact same scheme, the difference truly would be marginal at best.

If the Lakers have plans to bring back Howard or re-sign Cousins then Noel will not be an offseason target whatsoever.

However, it does make sense to scout the young big man to potentially bring in young depth if the situation arises.