In a stunning turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers have pulled off a blockbuster trade that has sent shockwaves through the NBA. By acquiring Ben Simmons from their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, for a mere $1 million and a combination of role players and draft picks, the Lakers have added a defensive “superstar monster” to bolster their championship aspirations for the 2025-26 season. This strategic move aims to support superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, reducing their defensive burden while enhancing the team’s playoff prospects. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how this trade unfolded, its implications for both the Lakers and Simmons, and why this could be a game-changer for the franchise.
The Lakers’ acquisition of Ben Simmons was a masterclass in navigating salary cap constraints. With Simmons’ contract carrying a hefty $33 million annual salary, the Lakers managed to structure a deal that involved sending out multiple minimum-salary contracts and a second-round draft pick, effectively costing them just $1 million in cash considerations. This trade, finalized just before the January 2026 trade deadline, required meticulous roster management, as the Lakers were already at their 15-player limit. By waiving two bench players and leveraging trade exceptions, the Lakers created the necessary cap space to absorb Simmons’ contract without sacrificing their core stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Clippers, in return, received a package of expiring contracts and a future draft pick, allowing them to maintain flexibility for their own roster rebuild. This low-cost acquisition for the Lakers has been hailed as a steal, given Simmons’ defensive prowess and potential to reshape their lineup.
Ben Simmons, standing at 6’9” with elite athleticism and versatility, is poised to address the Lakers’ longstanding defensive vulnerabilities. Known for his ability to guard multiple positions, switch seamlessly in pick-and-roll situations, and protect the rim, Simmons is a defensive juggernaut. His addition alleviates the defensive pressure on LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who have shouldered significant responsibilities on both ends of the floor. With Simmons anchoring the defense, LeBron and Luka can conserve energy for their offensive roles, potentially extending their effectiveness in crucial playoff moments.
Simmons’ playmaking ability further enhances his value. As a secondary ball-handler, he can facilitate the offense when Doncic rests, ensuring the Lakers maintain fluidity in their system. His defensive rating of approximately 106.7 during the 2024-25 season with the Nets and Clippers underscores his impact, making him a critical asset for playoff matchups against high-powered offenses like the Golden State Warriors or Denver Nuggets.
For Ben Simmons, this trade represents a golden opportunity to revive his career. Once heralded as a generational talent, Simmons has faced criticism for his inconsistent offensive output and reluctance to shoot from beyond the arc. However, the Lakers’ system, under the leadership of LeBron James and coach JJ Redick, offers a structured environment where Simmons can focus on his strengths—defense and playmaking—without the pressure to be a primary scorer.
LeBron’s veteran mentorship could be pivotal in helping Simmons regain confidence. By embracing a defined role as a defensive anchor and secondary facilitator, Simmons can rebuild his reputation and prove his worth on a championship-contending team. The high-profile stage of Los Angeles and increased playoff exposure provide Simmons with a platform to redefine his narrative, moving past his struggles in Brooklyn and Philadelphia.
Aspect
Pros
Cons
Los Angeles Lakers
– Elite defensive reinforcement to support LeBron and Luka
– Potential loss of depth from trading role players
– Improved playmaking and versatility off the bench
– Simmons’ offensive limitations may require strategic adjustments
– Cost-effective deal at just $1 million in cash considerations
– Salary cap constraints could limit future moves
Ben Simmons
– Opportunity to thrive in a low-pressure, defense-first role
– High expectations in a high-profile market like Los Angeles
– Mentorship from LeBron and a chance for playoff success
– Ongoing concerns about injury history and offensive inconsistency
– Platform to rebuild career reputation
– Pressure to perform in critical playoff moments
This table highlights the trade’s potential benefits and risks. For the Lakers, Simmons addresses a glaring need for defensive depth, while for Simmons, the move offers a fresh start in a supportive, championship-driven environment.
Simmons’ 2024-25 season, split between the Nets and Clippers, showcased his enduring defensive value despite a limited offensive role. Below are his key statistics:
Team
Points Per Game
Assists Per Game
Rebounds Per Game
Steals Per Game
Defensive Rating
Brooklyn Nets
6.2
6.9
5.2
0.8
~106.7
LA Clippers
2.9
3.1
3.8
0.7
~106.7
Though his scoring numbers were modest, Simmons’ ability to disrupt opponents and facilitate plays remained evident. Paired with LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who each averaged 27–28 points per game in 2024-25, Simmons’ defensive contributions could elevate the Lakers’ postseason performance.
The Lakers arguably gain the most from this trade, as Simmons fills a critical gap in their roster without sacrificing their star core. His defensive versatility complements the team’s offensive firepower, making them a more balanced contender. For Simmons, the move is a high-stakes opportunity to resurrect his career, but his success hinges on adapting to a reduced offensive role and staying healthy.
The Clippers, meanwhile, benefit from shedding Simmons’ large contract and gaining assets for their rebuild, but they lose a defensive cornerstone, which could impact their competitiveness in the Western Conference.
This trade reverberates beyond Los Angeles. The Clippers now face the challenge of replacing Simmons’ defensive presence, potentially turning to younger players or free agents. Western Conference rivals, such as the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets, will need to adjust their strategies to counter the Lakers’ bolstered defense. If Simmons thrives, his redemption arc could inspire other teams to take chances on players with untapped potential, reshaping trade dynamics league-wide.
For the Lakers, acquiring Ben Simmons for just $1 million and minimal assets is a low-risk, high-reward gamble. While salary cap complications and roster adjustments posed challenges, Simmons’ defensive impact and playmaking ability align perfectly with the team’s championship goals. For Simmons, the pressure to perform in Los Angeles is significant, but the opportunity to learn from LeBron James and compete for a title outweighs the risks.
My Take on the Trade:
- Lakers: This move strengthens their defense and adds versatility, potentially extending their championship window with LeBron and Luka leading the charge.
- Simmons: A fresh start in a structured role could redefine his career, but he must overcome past inconsistencies to seize this opportunity.
- Clippers: Trading Simmons for flexibility is a smart long-term play, but they’ll need to address the defensive void left behind.
This blockbuster trade positions the Lakers as serious contenders while offering Ben Simmons a chance to rewrite his legacy. As the 2025-26 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if this calculated gamble delivers another championship banner to the Crypto.com Arena.