The Los Angeles Lakers have a pretty impressive roster for the upcoming NBA season, but the one thing they could use is one more serviceable big man that is defensive-minded and has legitimate size for the center position.
They have two roster spots open, and they have made it clear they would like to use one of those spots on such a player. However, the pickings are slim at this point. Bismack Biyombo and Christian Wood have reportedly been L.A.’s two main targets, but perhaps it doesn’t have an extremely high level of interest in either of them.
Nerlens Noel, a veteran center, signed with the Sacramento Kings on Friday, and the Lakers reportedly had some interest in him prior to him choosing his new team.
Via HoopsHype:
“Before Nerlens Noel agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls also expressed exploratory interest in Noel, HoopsHype has learned,” wrote Michael Scotto.
“While the Lakers ultimately didn’t sign Noel, the team remains open to potentially adding a veteran center, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Noel has been hampered by injuries over the years, but he could’ve given Los Angeles some shot blocking in about 10-15 minutes a game. Instead, he will suit up for a divisional rival that is coming off an impressive season and seems to be on an upward trajectory.
