Hoops Habit
Fansided

5 Big-Name Trade Targets For The Los Angeles Lakers In 2016-17

By Gil Alcaraz IV

Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Los Angeles Lakers
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia 76ers C Jahlil Okafor

If the Lakers can’t convince the 76ers to give up Noel, maybe they can swing a deal for Jahlil Okafor? There was supposed to have been mutual interest between Okafor and LA leading up to the 2015 NBA Draft, but the Lakers went with D’Angelo Russell instead.

While it’s debatable that Okafor has more upside than Noel, he also has more baggage. The former No. 3 overall pick has dealt with off-the-court issues since entering the NBA–most notably a video surfaced of him getting into a fight with a Boston fan after a night out (via TMZ).

Now playing in Los Angeles wouldn’t be the best idea for a young, immature player, but the Lakers would benefit from Okafor’s presence. He’s obviously more talented than Mozgov, and would help provide an offensive spark down low.

One lineup can only have so many young stars, so I’d be hesitant with this trade. If it were to happen, though, he could spend time learning behind Mozgov. It might actually be a best-case scenario for Okafor, who still has a lot of growing up to do.

The only reason I think the Lakers would gamble on Okafor is he’d cost less than Noel, but still provide similar upside. Maybe playing under a coach like Luke Walton would put the Duke product on the right path.

Next: A High-Motor PF From Denver

Home/Los Angeles Lakers