Lakers Can’t Risk Foolishly Trading for Ben Simmons in What Is an Already-Difficult Season
Bernd Becker 
The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this season, losing 10 games and struggling to get out of eighth place. The Philadelphia 76ers are among those who could be interested in trading for Lonzo Ball, but they may not want to make a deal if Ben Simmons is on his way.
The “ben simmons to lakers” is a rumor that has been floating around for quite some time. The Lakers would be foolish to trade for Ben Simmons in what is an already-difficult season.
Ben Simmons, the Philadelphia 76ers’ star point guard, has an unclear future with the team. Simmons hasn’t made any progress toward a settlement, sparking speculation that he’s played his last game with the 76ers. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have shown interest, but this seems to be a stupid road to go.
Ben Simmons’ future with the 76ers is questionable.
*{padding:0;margin:0;overflow:hidden} html,bodyheight:100% img,spanposition:absolute;width:100% ;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyhe spanheight:1.5em;text-align:center;font:48px/1.5 sans-serif;color:white;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow
Simmons has been on unsteady footing since the 76ers’ heartbreaking second-round playoff loss.
Because he is not psychologically prepared to participate, the 25-year-old has chosen to stay away from the team. Philadelphia hasn’t gone all out to reintegrate Simmons into the fold. Instead, the company has isolated him from the rest of the squad while it works out the details of the precarious position.
Due to the lack of clarity, trade rumors have resurfaced, with the current rumblings focusing on the Lakers’ perplexing inclusion.
In an already challenging season, the Lakers cannot afford to risk dealing for Ben Simmons.
The Knicks and Lakers are among the clubs interested in Ben Simmons. The Hawks’ management is slated to get a contract extension, with assistant general manager Landry Fields likely to be elevated to general manager. @ShamsCharania’s Inside Pass: Teams chasing Pistons standout Jerami Grant https://t.co/6Yy3ClWhnV
December 13, 2021 — The Athletic (@TheAthletic)
As long as the subject of Simmons is a hot topic, trade speculations have proliferated.
After Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Monday that multiple clubs had shown interest in the three-time All-Star, it sparked additional conversation. The Lakers have been regarded as one of the teams interested in acquiring Simmons.
His connection to LeBron James is most likely due to their mutual affiliation with Klutch Sports agent Rich Paul. Apart from that, there doesn’t seem to be anything else that connects him to Los Angeles.
Other clubs that showed interest in Simmons were the Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and Indiana Pacers. The Lakers have no need or fit for him on their roster, so the link is perplexing.
With James, Russell Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker, Rajon Rondo, and Malik Monk, Los Angeles already has ball handlers. Aside from that, Simmons has a lucrative deal worth about $33 million this season. To make any deal work, the Lakers would have to match his huge contract.
As he’s found his scoring prowess in the paint, Simmons’ playing style would further complicate Los Angeles’ offensive game plan. It would clutter the paint in the same way that playing alongside Joel Embiid did in Philadelphia. Near the rim, Anthony Davis is a key player, while Westbrook and James rely on their ability to get to the paint off the dribble.
Simmons might help the Lakers improve their defensive performance, but he isn’t a good fit in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles must be patient as the process unfolds.
*{padding:0;margin:0;overflow:hidden} html,bodyheight:100% img,spanposition:absolute;width:100% ;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyhe spanheight:1.5em;text-align:center;font:48px/1.5 sans-serif;color:white;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow
The Lakers have struggled in their first 28 games, but coach Luke Walton continues to preach patience as the club searches for its identity.
Injuries have obviously played a role, but their mediocre defensive performance speaks to their overall effort and roster cohesiveness. James has found his stride in recent weeks, putting up six 30-point performances in his previous eight games.
Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook is settling into his role as the team’s third scorer. Davis’ latest health troubles aren’t helping matters, but the Lakers are making moves in the right direction. The front staff put together a veteran-laden squad in the hopes that it can gel and discover the connection needed to compete for an NBA championship.
All of this makes Simmons’ trade speculation even more perplexing, since it contradicts the team’s general strategy and game plan. In the end, it’s a showy move that the Lakers don’t need and would be foolish to pursue.
Spotrac provided contract specifics.
On Facebook, follow Sportscasting. @sportscasting19 is our Twitter handle.
RELATED: Joel Embiid Just Proved the 76ers Need to Put Their Pride Aside and Make a Move They’ve Been Delaying for Too Long
Watch This Video-
The “lakers news” is a Lakers article that discusses the risks of foolishly trading for Ben Simmons in what is an already-difficult season. The article also discusses how it could be beneficial to trade for him.
Related Tags
- lakers trade
- ben simmons lakers jersey
- lakers trade rumors
- lakers rumors
- ben simmons clippers
