NBA Trade Rumors: Best Landing Spots For Nerlens Noel

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Apr 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) speaks to Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Traditionally, the Los Angeles Lakers wouldn’t pursue a center who lacks fundamental prowess as a post player. The Lakers have a skilled young power forward in Julius Randle, however, and are in need of a rim protector.

If Los Angeles intends to build around D’Angelo Russell, Randle, and whomever it selects at No. 2 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, it’ll need to improve its defense.

Randle is a bruising post player with the versatility to handle the ball in the open court and dominate the boards. He’s not much of a defensive asset, however, and that puts Los Angeles in a tough spot.

Nerlens Noel doesn’t fit what many expect Luke Walton to do offensively, but he’s the type of defensive weapon that Los Angeles clearly needs.

Noel’s ability to disrupt the pick-and-roll would be of paramount importance due to Russell and Randle’s inconsistencies. He’s a very solid shot-blocker, but the true value can be found in Noel’s ability to switch off of high screens.

A potential sign-and-trade centered around Jordan Clarkson and Noel could help both of these organizations.

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