Los Angeles Lakers: 5 bargain targets during 2018 NBA free agency

1. Nerlens Noel, C — Dallas Mavericks (unrestricted)

Nerlens Noel’s time in Texas has gone about as horribly as he could have imagined. After being traded to the Dallas Mavericks and then betting on himself by taking an extremely discounted one-year deal, it’s looking like it’s going to be a disappointing free agency for the former top pick.

Seriously, between injury issues and underwhelming play, teams are going to be wary of spending big bucks on Noel this offseason. Although his age and upside will warrant some serious dough on the open market, Noel isn’t going to sign the type of deal he may have gotten a couple of years ago. His drug-related suspension (via ESPN) at season’s end only hindered his case.

That’s where the Lakers could swoop in and ink Noel to a bargain deal.

This past season, he made just under $4.2 million with the Mavericks. I’m not sure he’d come that cheaply as an unrestricted free agent, but he isn’t going to get the massive deal he once seemed destined for. Especially if Los Angeles doesn’t get both LeBron and George, they could easily find the cap space to sign Noel.

Next: Lakers' top free agent targets not named LeBron, George

Chances are the Lakers move on from Brook Lopez this offseason unless he’s willing to take a steep discount. I’m not counting on that, so I could see Noel as a target to replace him as the true center on the roster. His outstanding defense and developing offensive game would be welcomed additions to the Lake Show.