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Lakers Rumors: Five-step offseason checklist to win in 2018

By Jason Reed

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 26: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers watches as his team takes on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 26, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Lakers defeated the Bulls 108-103. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 26: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers watches as his team takes on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 26, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Lakers defeated the Bulls 108-103. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) – Lakers Rumors
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) – Lakers Rumors /

2. Sign a center for bench depth

The Lakers cannot stop their pursuit of big man depth there. Although Randle has thrived in the hybrid power forward/center role, Los Angeles is going to need to add depth alongside him and Kyle Kuzma.

Brook Lopez is set to hit the market and a reduced role in LA may signal an eventual departure. Unless Lopez wants to agree to a significant pay cut, the Lakers are likely saying goodbye to their starting center. That is how it should be, anyway. The Lakers originally acquired him in a salary dump move involving Timofey Mozgov.

While the Lakers do not need a starting caliber center, there are multiple options that can help the team down low. One name that immediately jumps off the bat is Nerlens Noel.

Noel was first tied to the Lakers as a potential running mate alongside LeBron James in Los Angeles. Although the LeBron to the Lakers rumors have fizzled, Noel still remains a very logical target for the Lakers.

When healthy, Noel can easily get the Lakers 10 points and seven or so rebounds off of the bench. Due to his recent injuries, the Lakers could likely get him for cheap as well.

A two-year deal worth $12 million makes the most sense. Make the first year worth $4 million with a team option attached on the second. If Noel comes back and proves that he is worth the money, the Lakers can keep him locked in for $8 million that season.

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