The Los Angeles Lakers could explore a deal for Nerlens Noel at the expense of backup point guard Jordan Clarkson.
Recent rumors have suggested that the Lakers could consider trading Jordan Clarkson to the Philadelphia 76ers for Nerlens Noel, whose name has been consistently mentioned in the rumor mill in the past few months. The 76ers are in desperate need of a reliable playmaker to fill the void left by Ben Simmons, who is likely out until January due to a foot injury, and Clarkson's emergence in Los Angeles has made him a potential trade target for Philly.
The 76ers have yet to make Noel officially available despite the team's glaring need to address their crowded frontcourt. But many NBA analysts believe that Noel would the likely odd man out in Philadelphia after the 22-year-old center expressed displeasure towards the team's logjam at the center position.
"I feel like it definitely needs to be figured out," Noel told reporters at media day. "I think at the end of the day, again, you have three starting-caliber centers. And it's just not going to work to anybody's advantage having that on the same team. That's how I'm looking at it. I'm not opposed to anything, but things need to be situated."
Noel can effectively anchor the defensive end due to his size and athleticism. In the past two seasons, Noel averaged 1.7 blocks and 1.8 assists per game, establishing himself as a defensive big man with high potential. However, Noel's offensive game is limited, although he has the ability to finish effectively on fastbreaks and around the rim.
For the Lakers, adding Noel would give them another young talent who could grow alongside LA's core of youngsters. But giving up Clarkson, who has been an essential piece in the Lakers' impressive run this season, could be too much for the Purple and Gold.
Clarkson has been relegated to the second unit, but still plays effectively under Luke Walton's schemes. The 24-year-old point guard, who averages 15.1 points this season, has been one of the most consistent players in the young Lakers squad.
It remains to be seen whether the Lakers would develop a genuine interest in acquiring Noel, who is set to become a restricted free agent next summer after not reaching an extension with the 76ers. The Lakers are unlikely to include Clarkson in any potential deal, but if LA could lure Philly to give up Noel in a package of Jose Calderon and Marcelo Huertas, it is a deal worth considering.
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