NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Welcome Nerlens Noel; D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson Get New C

Oct 04, 2016 01:03 AM EDT

Los Angeles Lakers predictions this NBA season point to promising performances from D'Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, and Jordan Clarkson. However, a Nerlens Noel contract seems to be adding to the excitement to the former Kobe Bryant team. Can the Philadelphia 76ers big man help the Luke Walton squad recover from their disappointing season last year?

The exit of the Black Mamba and front office issues had been plaguing the Los Angeles Lakers roster for months now. With the signing of former Golden State Warriors coach Luke Walton to head the D'Angelo Russell team, fans believe that the winning attitude of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson could rub off on the young core. With this in mind, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to show off their goods this NBA season following a promising training camp.

Rumors are rife that one of the explosive deals made by the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason is the Nerlens Noel contract they reportedly signed. With the Sixers shopping their big men due to overcrowding in the same position, it comes as no surprise that basketball teams are lining up to sign either Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel. Can the Sixers star help the Los Angeles Lakers this season?

"I know I was shopped," revealed Nerlens Noel of the NBA trade rumors about him. He further explained, "I feel like it definitely needs to be figured out. 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."

He added, "Don't get me wrong. We all get along great on the court and off the court. But at the end of the day, it's like having three starting quarterbacks. It doesn't make any sense."

While no official comment has been given by any of the parties involved in this NBA trade rumor, fans of the Los Angeles Lakers feel that a Nerlens Noel contract could boost the performance of the D'Angelo Russell team this season. Moreover, it appears that Luke Walton is doing remarkable in handling a young core. Will Nerlens Noel be a good fit?

At this point, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking into turning D'Angelo Russell into a leader. With the exit of Kobe Bryant, the NBA team is searching for a star who can eventually become the face of the franchise - pretty much like the Black Mamba during his reign. Aside from D'Angelo Russell, the Los Angeles Lakers also have Jordan Clarkson and Brandon Ingram as potential franchise leaders.