LeBron James could bring along a center if he decides to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and join the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. According to Mike Fisher of DallasBasketball.com, James and Dallas Mavericks center Noel are plotting ways to play together next season, probably with the Lakers. Fisher said James and Noel share the same agent in Rich Paul, who is also a close associate of the Cavaliers superstar. In the offseason, Noel agreed to a one-year qualifying offer worth $4.1 million with the Mavericks, Chris Haynes of ESPN reported. There were reports that Noel received an offer worth $17 million per season, but Haynes the Mavericks never made such offer.
Earlier, podcaster/columnist Bill Simmons floated that James could leave the Cavaliers and join forces with Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram with the Lakers. According to Dan Feldman of NBC Sports, Noel could be a perfect fit playing alongside James and Ball as a rim protector and a rebounding force for the Lakers.
Noel traded by 76ers
Noel joined the Mavericks after the Philadelphia 76ers traded him in last season’s trade deadline. The 6-foot-11 Noel made an immediate impact on defense with the Mavericks as he averaged 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steal per game on top of 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds in 22 games. This season, Noel played in 18 games, averaging 4.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game before he suffered a left thumb injury.
Noel’s minutes also dropped this season, averaging just 12.5 minutes on the court compared to 22.0 minutes last season.
Noel to miss four-to-six weeks
According to the Mavericks, Noel will miss between four to six weeks after he goes under the knife. A sixth overall pick by the 76ers in 2013, Noel missed his rookie season due to a knee injury.
During the 2015-16 season, Noel was sidelined 15 games due to various injuries. The Mavericks were hoping that Noel could be a centerpiece of the team, but his latest injury and his recent antics might lead to their parting of ways after this season. The relationship between Noel and the Mavericks reached a low point when the center went to the media dining area and grabbed a hotdog during halftime of their blowout win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
After the game, Noel explained his move, saying he needed some energy for the second half.” However, he did not play a single minute against the Clippers, racking up his fourth straight Did Not Play-Coach’s Decision. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle downplayed the incident, saying Noel should have used it as a marketing opportunity.