Lakers Linked With Veteran Center Joakim Noah as Possible Replacement to Injured DeMarcus Cousins
By Karl Rasmussen
The Lakers, and more specifically DeMarcus Cousins, were dealt a bad hand as it was revealed that the the star center had suffered a torn ACL during a private workout in Las Vegas earlier in the week. Since then, the Lakers have been doing their due diligence, aiming to identify a potential replacement to Boogie.
After being linked with various players, most notably Dwight Howard, it seems the Lakers may have another target under their scope. Veteran center Joakim Noah is also on the market, and could provide some value should Rob Pelinka and Co. decide to give him a call.
The Lakers have been patient in approach since Cousins' injury, and another accomplished veteran center on the market is Joakim Noah. Howard is expected to be eventually released by Memphis. https://t.co/mvLx2jsS8Q
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 18, 2019
Noah played 42 games in Memphis last season, where he averaged 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.7 blocks across 16.5 minutes per game. He netted a career-high 71.1 percent of his free throws, while shooting 51.6% from the field.
The 12-year veteran made the All-Star team in the East in back-to-back seasons from 2012-14, but has since struggled to stick on a roster. After leaving the Bulls in 2015-16, he infamously latched on with the Knicks for two years, though he only played 53 games across two seasons for the team.
If I’m the Lakers... I’d prefer to take a flyer on Noah over Dwight. Joakim is a guy who knows how to be a complimentary player.
— Jorge Sedano (@SedanoESPN) August 18, 2019
The former No. 9 overall pick is looking for another gig in the league, and following Cousins' injury, his golden opportunity may be coming with a splash of Lakers' Purple.