Lakers News: Another Free Agent Big Man Signs Elsewhere

When will LA strike?

The longer your Los Angeles Lakers twiddle their thumbs in the free agent market, the fewer options they'll have to fill their 14th roster spot, which rumor has it will be the final tally the club intends to carry into the regular season.

Team president Rob Pelinka had previously indicated that the team was specifically targeting a new frontcourt addition for its roster. LA has already inked athletic ex-lottery pick Jaxson Hayes as a reserve center option, plus combo forwards Taurean Prince and Cam Reddish.

Today, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN revealed that another former lottery pick, Nerlens Noel, has agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, according to Noel's agent George Langberg of GSL Sports Group.

As loyal readers of this site no doubt know, Noel was a player I specifically felt that Los Angeles should avoid. 

The former University of Kentucky product, selected with the sixth overall pick a decade ago, eked out an NBA presence for himself as a journeyman with solid defensive skill around the rim. All that sounds well and good in theory, but in practice the 6'11" big man hasn't really been a major part of a rotation since the 2020-21 season, due in part to the veteran's low upside and limited offensive ability. Most recently, he appeared (sparingly) with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022-23.

Two of LA's rumored top targets, forrmer Dallas Mavericks center/power forward Christian Wood and ex-Phoenix Suns big man Bismack Biyomo, are still available. How long will Los Angeles wait to get a deal done?

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!