The Los Angeles Lakers is determined to develop their young core. Nerlens Noel, currently disappointed with Philadelphia 76ers, is talented and young and remains an intriguing trade prospect for the Lakers. For the Lakers to acquire Noel, they may trade away the "veteran" Jordan Clarkson. Will the trade be possible?
Why Nerlens Noel To The Lakers Makes Sense
Nerlens Noel has been unhappy with the front office of the Philadelphia 76ers. With the 76ers having 3 talented centers, a logjam for playing time is bound to happen. Joel Embiid is having an outstanding rookie year while the 76ers have repeatedly stated that they are not parting with Jahlil Okafor. This makes Nerlens Noel the odd-man out.
So getting out of Philly will make Nerlens Noel happy. What would make the former number 5 overall pick is a lot of playing time. The Lakers could give him that. If he joins the Lakers' young core, they would develop roughly at the same time and would be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
Why Jordan Clarkson To The 76ers Makes Sense
Jordan Clarkson has had a solid season so far. Coming off the bench for the Lakers, Clarkson is the focal point of the second unit and has proven time and again to be reliable and dependable in offense and defense. Jordan Clarkson has plenty of experience playing the point and can slide to play the shooting guard and the small forward positions.
While Clarkson's versatility is going to be a strong selling point, his value lies in his experience in starting or coming off the bench. Clarkson played in the last years of Kobe Bryant's historic career and enjoyed a mentor-mentee relationship with the Black Mamba. That said, Clarkson can pass all his knowledge to Ben Simmons, the 76ers number one pick. And Clarkson is still young himself, so fitting in with the 76ers will not be a problem.
Will The Trade Push Through?
While a direct Nerlens Noel-Jordan Clarkson trade can be worked out with additional picks, the Lakers would probably be hesitant to trade away a key piece of their young core. Clarkson has proven to be quite an asset for the Lakers while Noel has been oft-injured the past two seasons. However, if a better offer comes to both the 76ers and the Lakers, that's a brand new NBA trade news.