Los Angeles Lakers: 5 centers to target in 2018 NBA free agency
By Dan Lovi
5. Nerlens Noel
In his first five seasons in the league, Nerlens Noel has yet to find his comfort zone. The 24-year-old center struggled to fit with the Philadelphia 76ers and his last two seasons with the Dallas Mavericks have been a disaster.
A torn ligament in Noel’s thumb and a league suspension for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program limited him to only 30 games this past year. He averaged career-lows across the board and is in desperate need of a fresh start.
Due to his recent struggles, the Lakers could get Noel at a discounted rate. He’s shown flashes in the past, with his best season coming in 2015-16 when he averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.
The Lakers continue to improve defensively under Luke Walton‘s tutelage, but still need a rim protector. Noel could be the answer they are looking for.