The Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to be interested in trading for Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel this offseason in an attempt to boost the team's frontcourt defense.
Noel, 22, had been linked to several teams since the end of last season and this rumor is only the latest of many to mention the former Kentucky standout.
The Sixers said in the beginning of summer that they will trade either Noel or Okafor in the offseason because 2014 third overall pick Joel Embiid will be finally suiting up for the team this upcoming season, potentially creating a logjam of young talents in head coach Brett Brown's frontcourt.
Fansided reported that Philly offered "Nerlens Noel, Robert Covington, and a handful of draft picks to secure another top draft pick back in June", but there were no takers to the bid. The report also noted that among the three centers, Noel is "the top option to be sent packing".
However, team president and general manager Bryan Colangelo recently claimed that the team is not desperate to trade any of their big men and will wait for the best offer before a deal will be made.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are still looking to upgrade their roster before the new season begins, especially on the defensive end where new head coach Luke Walton is said to be focusing on at the moment.
The Lakers have Timofey Mozgov, undersized Tarik Black, and 19-year-old rookie Ivica Zubac currently at their center position and Walton is reportedly unsatisfied with their depth at the said spot. Thus, a move for Noel would make sense for the Hollywood squad.
Morning News USA noted that the Lakers "ranked dead last in defensive efficiency last season", which translated into a franchise-worst record of 17-65 as the team was eliminated from playoff contention for the third straight season.
Acquiring Noel would definitely give LA a boost on the defensive end of the floor. His youth will also allow him to grow together with the Lakers' existing young core of D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr., and Jordan Clarkson.
The report said, though, that the Sixers may demand to have Randle, Nance, and Anthony Brown in exchange for Noel so it remains to be seen whether the Lakers will be willing to give up basically their developing frontcourt for the former Wildcat.