The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024-25 season came to an unceremonious end last week as they suffered a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their first-round matchup. While many expected the franchise to make a deep postseason run after they acquired Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis at midseason, their lack of size and defense came back to haunt them.
Los Angeles will now turn their attention to the offseason as they look to add a center to play alongside Doncic and LeBron James — provided that the latter returns to the team as many expect. While the names tossed around as potential targets have generally been role players, one sports media personality proposed that the Lakers go big in their search.
Speaking on his self-titled podcast, Bill Simmons proposed a deal where Los Angeles lands often injured Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid — while keeping Austin Reaves — stating:
“I think Reaves at $14 and $15 (million), when you throw expiring (contracts) with him, you could get some really good players, at that point…,” The Ringer’s Bill Simmons claimed on Monday. “Embiid? Talk about get out of jail free cards. If they were like, we’ll give you all of our expiring (contracts) and a first and we’ll get you out of the Joel Embiid business. Here’s your get out of jail free card right now. You don’t have to deal with him anymore… That’s my favorite Lakers move. All their expiring (contracts) and two first-round picks and they get Embiid. Reaves isn’t in it. He’s not in it. You don’t even get Reaves. We don’t know if Embiid’s ever playing again. I’m like, I’ll take Embiid, you can have one of our first-round picks and here’s a bunch of expiring (contracts).”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Simmons’ co-host Ryen Russillo claimed that the 2022-23 NBA MVP was available at the trade deadline. Embiid appeared in just 19 games in 2024-25, after appearing in 39 the previous year. His production was down significantly as he averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.4% from the field, 29.9% from three-point range and 88.2% from the free-throw line.
While his injury history and his contract — which pays him $248.1 million over the next four seasons — are both massive concerns, pairing the seven-time All-Star with Doncic, James and Reaves would give opposing defenses plenty of trouble. It is unclear if the 76ers would be open to dealing their franchise player for an underwhelming return, however, such a move could open up plenty of cap space while allowing them to rebuild around Tyrese Maxey and the young talent they are likely to add in the 2025 NBA Draft.
More NBA: Celtics’ legend claims Lakers must move on from LeBron James to re-enter title contention
