As the NBA playoffs continue, the Los Angeles Lakers have already become a constant source of speculation. From LeBron James' future to the likelihood of Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo landing with the Lakers, the offseason is already in full swing. One especially eye-catching trade suggestion came from respected podcast host Bill Simmons. It is important to note that this trade was an off-handed comment from a noted Celtics fan and not a fully fleshed out suggestion.
It was based around the 76ers being willing to get out of the Joel Embiid business. The Lakers would take on the remainder of Embiid's contract, sending their expiring contracts and two first-round picks in return. If this were two years ago, it would be an instant send for the Lakers. One that would give Luka the needed rim threat and instantly make the Lakers title favorites. However, last year should scare the Lakers away from going into the Embiid business.
This is on extremely shaky financial ground for both sides, where it is again important to note that this was just a random suggestion in the middle of a long playoff debrief. Still, it is a noteworthy idea from a respected source within the industry. While it does solve a problem for Philly, the fact that this is even close to reality should leave the Lakers no question but to run away from any potential Joel Embiid trade discussions.
At this point, it is fair to wonder what version of Joel Embiid will take the court again. Los Angeles would be spending every bit of depth in exchange for an injury-prone center who is yet to prove himself a playoff performer. In the few games Embiid did take the court in the 2024-25 season, the center was a shell of what he once was. Falling all over the court and lacking the defining physicality his game so heavily relied on. This was a red flag that should scare all but the most desperate teams from considering a deal for Embiid.
After flaming out in this year's playoffs, the last thing the Lakers need is to add Embiid to a core of Luka and a forty-year-old LeBron James. This duo raises enough concerns about health. What the Lakers need is rim presence and depth to survive any potential injuries. Trading for Embiid would end the Lakers' hopes of winning another title with James. Unless the center is able to magically turn back the clock, it is a disaster waiting to happen; the Lakers simply cannot seriously consider it.