The Los Angeles Lakers could be the potential landing spot for either Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel as the Philadelphia 76ers continue to address their crowded frontcourt.
The Lakers are one of the teams to watch in the upcoming 2016-2017 regular season, with the team eager to showcase their core of young talents. But for the first time in as many years, the Lakers heads into their campaign without a star in their lineup.
The likes of D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Brandon Ingram have the potential to become perennial All-Stars, but, as claimed by Gil Alcaraz IV of Hoops Habit, if the Lakers do not see any of them as a the new face of the franchise, LA could look elsewhere by exploring the trade market. According to the report's predicted scenario, two of the names the Lakers could pursue are Philadelphia 76ers big man Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel.
Okafor would give the Lakers an offensive threat inside the paint, and a scoring big man who could be of use under Luke Walton's schemes. At 20, Okafor, who had an average of 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in his rookie season, is also an ideal fit growing alongside LA's core of young talents.
On the other hand, Noel offers something the Lakers have lack in the past season, which is interior defense. Noel, who averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks a game last season, would provide the Lakers a solid rim protector who can challenge of opposing teams.
It is unclear whether the Lakers would consider trading for either of the two, but both Okafor and Noel would be tremendous additions for LA. However, adding a defensive center seems the more intriguing option for the Purple and Gold.
Timofey Mozgov, who signed a multi-year contract with the Lakers, should be a boost on the defensive end, but recent injuries may hinder the 7-foot Russian to effectively anchor the defense. Adding Noel gives the Lakers a backup and a young talent, whom the team could include in their rebuild.
Noel is set to become a restricted free agent next year, but with the Lakers having cap flexibility, it would not be too difficult for them to retain the 22-year-old big man.
Whether the Lakers would develop a genuine interest in acquiring Okafor or Noel remains to be seen, but given both players' availability, dealing for either of them is an option worth exploring for the Lakers.
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