Los Angeles Lakers free agent profile: Nerlens Noel

The Los Angeles Lakers could be in the market for a center. Could Nerlens Noel fit the bill?

As we head into the 2020 NBA offseason, it is still uncertain what the dynamics could be. It will most likely be much shorter then usual and parts will be moving fast. The Los Angeles Lakers could be in the market for a center and we take a look at one that could fit their need.

With Dwight Howard being an unrestricted free agent and JaVale McGee weighing a player option and possibly being a trade candidate, could Nerlens Noel be in play? The Lakers phased out their centers as the playoffs went on. McGee didn’t play at all in the NBA Finals and Howard played sparingly to open games.

But they will need a center on the roster as the league hasn’t completely taken out the center position. Even as the game gets smaller and runs at a faster pace, athletic centers can still be valuable. Noel is as athletic as they come at the center position.

He can rotate and switch out on guards and is very good laterally. He has proven to be a good shot blocker and can provide what Howard and McGee did but is younger. Pairing Noel with Anthony Davis would give teams headaches as the paint would be completely walled off.

With the Oklahoma City Thunder last year, Noel came off the bench and played 18.5 minutes per game. He shot 68.4% from the floor and was good at the line for a big man at 75.5%. He averaged 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

Adjusted average to 36 minutes per night, which is a standard amount a starter would likely see, his numbers are good. He averaged 14.3 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks per 36. His DBPM was 3.4 and he had 4.9 win shares on the season which both are elite amounts for the minutes he played.

Last but not least is per 100 possession pace, Noel had an offensive rating of 127 and a defensive rating of 102. He is athletic enough to keep up with the pace of the NBA today and would be a good fit for this Lakers team.

The last two seasons, Noel has played under a veteran minimum contract for the Thunder. He has played himself into a larger contract that could come from Oklahoma City. But if he feels like he doesn’t want to play behind Steven Adams anymore he could move on.

The Lakers could see if Noel would take a two-year deal under the bi-annual exception. Or look to use part of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

Noel wouldn’t need to play huge minutes per night to make an impact. He would also be a great duo with AD to help the defense.

He also plays good defense from the bench.

Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers should check-in.