REPORT: LeBron James Wants to Sign in L.A. So He Can Play With Nerlens Noel

Many reasons have been given for why LeBron James will sign with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. Previously, the craziest reason for LeBron James going to Los Angeles was the idea that he couldn’t get Space Jam 2 made otherwise. This week we got a new frontrunner – LeBron is going to L.A. so he can team up with Nerlens Noel. Via DallasBasketball.com:

"Where is Noel going to have the surgery? In Cleveland, hometown of LeBron James and a headquarters for agent Rich Paul, who reps both LeBron and Noel and yeah, it’s kind of an open secret now that the fellas are plotting ways to end up together, maybe next July 1 via free agency to the Los Angeles Lakers. Now he bides his time waiting for July 1 free agency… and a chance to go to the Los Angeles Lakers (or wherever isn’t here) with LeBron (or whomever isn’t us)."

Nerlens Noel is still very young (he turns 24 this spring) and has averaged 13 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2.1 steals and 2 blocks per 36 minutes over his career. However, he has never once stepped on the court for a .500 team. He has played fewer games each season he has been in the league. The Mavericks traded for him last season and for whatever reason he never really played.

LeBron James goes place to play with stars. He teamed up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami and returned to Cleveland to play with Kyrie Irving, but only if the Cavaliers could also acquire Kevin Love. Noel is more like… Chris Andersen. (Their career per-36 numbers are quite similar.) Nerlens Noel could be a fine player to help fill out a roster around LeBron James. LeBron James is not deciding where he plays based on whether or not Nerlens Noel signs.