Los Angeles Lakers: Nerlens Noel belongs on 2018 free agency radar

If center is still a need when 2018 NBA free agency opens, the Los Angeles Lakers need to seriously consider signing Nerlens Noel.

Right now, the Los Angeles Lakers need an answer at center.

Brook Lopez was the answer in 2017-18, but the L.A. native now heads for free agency and may price himself out of a new deal with the Lakers. They could also opt to roll the dice during the 2018 NBA Draft with someone like Mitchell Robinson, if he’s even available at No. 25.

The more logical approach, though, would be to find a bargain via 2018 NBA free agency. One name that fits the bill is Nerlens Noel, (soon to be) formerly of the Dallas Mavericks.

So why would Noel, the sixth overall pick back in 2013, be a bargain? Well, over the last couple of years, it’s been a rough ride for the defensive-minded big man. He was ostracized with the Philadelphia 76ers, traded to the Mavericks and then flamed out there.

Noel went as far as signing a hugely discounted contract last offseason, betting on himself by inking a one-year “prove it” contract worth a relatively pitiful $4.2 million. The problem was he didn’t prove a damned thing last season. All he proved was that he couldn’t get on the Mavs’ good side, struggling to earn minutes and floundering more often than not. Suffice it to say, it was a disastrous year for Noel and his stock.

Here are some numbers from 2017-18 to support those assertions. Noel played in 30 games (six starts), averaging 4.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 15.7 minutes per game. He also shot 52.9 percent from the field, down from 59.7 percent in 2016-17. There were some good games here and there, and the rebounding numbers were strong (12.8 per 36 minutes). Overall though, it was a wildly inconsistent season during which he failed to shine on a terrible team.

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Need more evidence? Noel struggled to stay healthy (he battled a thumb injury all year), and was slapped with a five-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy (via ESPN) near season’s end. Seriously, kid? Are you trying to ruin your career?

Now, as an unrestricted free agent, the former Kentucky Wildcat will be looking to regain his status as one of the NBA’s exciting young big men. At 24 years old, there’s plenty of time to do so — he just needs to find the right situation. As I mentioned, the Lakers need a center, may not have a ton of financial flexibility (depending on how free agency plays out), and have shown interest in Noel in the past.

In fact, it was rumored they had discussions with the Mavericks about a potential Noel-Julius Randle swap ahead of the 2017 trade deadline (via ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski). Obviously nothing ever came of those alleged discussions, but it confirmed that Magic Johnson and co. aren’t opposed to bringing the wayward center aboard.

It’ll come down to two things: the Lakers’ other free agency moves and Noel’s asking price.

If Los Angeles finds a way to sign both LeBron James and Paul George, they may not have the money or options to lure Noel. They could try to use an exception, but that likely won’t be enough to compete with other bidders. If the Lakers sign only one or neither of the aforementioned superstars, though, they boast enough bank to land Noel with room to spare.

As for the asking price, it shouldn’t be an issue. With the health concerns and suspension, he’s got little leverage in contract talks. Based on his current situation, another discounted “prove it” deal seems like Noel’s best bet.

There are plenty of moving pieces in this situation. Maybe Lopez re-signs, making Noel unnecessary. Maybe James and George come to Hollywood, leaving no money for the potential-laden rim protector. Or maybe Magic simply isn’t interested after the way Noel’s 2017-18 campaign played out.

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For now, though, he seems like a talent whose tires warrant kicking. The Lakers can’t go into 2018 with Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant as their top options at the 5. Signing Noel may not be a solve-all, but it could be enough to fill the gaping hole at center.

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