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Lakers trade rumors: The best trades to improve championship outlook

By Jason Reed

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 08: Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka looks on before the team's preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at T-Mobile Arena on October 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 75-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 08: Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka looks on before the team's preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at T-Mobile Arena on October 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 75-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Trade option #1:

Reports came out a few months ago that Nerlens Noel and LeBron James may run together on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. Noel was traded to the Dallas Mavericks last season, starting a rocky relationship that is not pointing to longevity. Noel is a free agent following the season, thus, the non-contending Dallas Mavericks should be more than willing to part ways with the center.

On the surface, this may not make sense to some. The Lakers can simply sit on their thumbs, wait for Noel to become a free agent and sign him. Then, the team can keep Jordan Clarkson.

However, it is safe to say that the Lakers may be better off without Clarkson. As great of a player as he is, he will never get the playing time he deserves behind Lonzo Ball and will never develop into the player he can be. Quite frankly, on the Lakers, he is not worth what he is making. On a team like the Mavericks, with a larger leash, his potential can be realized.

Plus, making this trade gives the Lakers bird rights on Noel, something that will be pivotal in bringing in other stars. Throw in an expiring deal in Josh McRoberts and this trade has it all for the Lakers. They get a center to replace Brook Lopez, with Bird Rights and essentially create $12.5 million in cap space to spend.

Noel has only played in 18 games this season, averaging just 12.5 minutes per game. On the Lakers, with stars around him, his full potential as a 10+ points/10+ rebounds player can be realized.

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