Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the cheap free-agent center options

By Jason Reed | Jun 27, 2021

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3. Nerlens Noel

Nerlens Noel is the youngest player on this list so you could make the case of him being a multi-year signing for the Lakers that helps address the position for more than just one season. While that could be done, Noel is who he is at this point in his career and he is not someone who is going to develop over time.

Just like the older, more veteran players on this list, Noel is a one-year option that can provide the Lakers what they need: shot-blocking and rebounding.

Noel is coming off of a decent season with the New York Knicks. If you look at his scoring numbers you may not be all that impressed but the numbers to truly take a look at are the blocks and rebounds.

Noel averaged a staggering 2.2 blocks per game in 24.2 minutes per game to go along with 6.4 rebounds. His per-36 averages of 3.3 blocks and 9.5 rebounds is exactly what this Lakers team needs.

Noel is not as efficient as you would like a center to be near the rim but that could change with LeBron James. James is the master at getting centers involved and increases the scoring workload for guys who do not score much and that could happen to Noel.

His rebounding is what holds him back and makes him the third-best player on this list, but quite frankly, the Los Angeles Lakers would still be very happy if they landed him.

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