The Los Angeles Lakers did not exactly get the center they wanted when they signed Timofey Mozgov this free agency. But they can improve their no. 5 position with the possible addition of the Philadelphia 76ers' Nerlens Noel. 

This off-season, Noel's name is a regular in the trade rumor mill. The Sixers are reportedly seeking for partners to deal away the budding big man because they are crowded at the no. 4 and 5 positions. 

Earlier in free agency, the Lakers were seeking for a center and landed Mozgov, a move criticized by many because of the massive deal he was signed to. 

However, the Lakers can still turn things around if they successfully trade for Noel who produced better numbers than Mozgov last season. 

Because of Los Angeles' salary cap situation, especially for next year, the franchise can absorb Noel's existing contract if a switch materializes.

But the biggest question is, who and what are the Lakers sending to Philly to complete a deal?

Aside from the Lakers' young players, who the the team is relying on for future success, they do not have much assets that would allow them to keep the likes of D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson or Brandon Ingram if ever they pursue a trade.

Surely, the 76ers will be eyeing one of those players in exchange for Noel once they negotiate with Los Angeles. 

Clarkson, Russell, and Ingram, together with Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. are seen as the future of the Lakers. This year, the organization finally focused on developing these guys and parting ways with one of them is going to be a difficult task. 

But if the Lakers truly want Noel who is an efficient rim protector plus a decent scorer, and someone who can improve the team, they must make hard decisions this off-season.