The Los Angeles Lakers have performed like a Play-In team at best lately, struggling to sustain the access they enjoyed earlier in the year.
Next season, however, could be a different story for JJ Redick and company.
“The Sixers trading an all-time great big man to the Lakers,” Hoops Habit’s Zach Ciavolella wrote Wednesday.
“It wouldn’t be the first time. In 1958, after Wilt Chamberlain demanded a trade from Philadelphia (76ers), the Sixers traded one of the game’s greatest talents to Los Angeles for Archie Clark, Darrell Imhoff, Jerry Chambers, and cash considerations.”
“It didn’t exactly ‘work out’, trading a generational superstar rarely does, but Archie Clark and Darrell Imhoff were both effective players for the Sixers in their time, but no one could live up to Wilt.”
“That is likely to be the case with a Joel Embiid trade, but in the scenario that Philadelphia does not hold leverage, as would be the case in a trade demand, it’s certainly a likely possibility.”
“The Lakers have been speculated to be in the center market for what feels like years. Anthony Davis does not like playing center, as he has made quite clear on multiple occasions.”
“With their window clearly closing, the time to act is now. While a front court of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Joel Embiid is not the most modern NBA lineup, its talent is undeniable.”
“Los Angeles will be operating under the tax heading into next offseason, giving the team increased flexibility under the modern CBA. The same can be said of Philadelphia, allowing for far smoother and versatile negotiations.”
“The Lakers will retain the contracts of Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Jared Vanderbilt through the offseason, giving a fair amount of matching salary to pair with the true prize for Philadelphia, draft picks.”
“After the 2025 NBA Draft, the Lakers will be able to trade two unprotected first-round picks, one in 2029 and the other in 2031, along with three first-round swaps in 2028, 2030, and 2032.”
“Not that the Sixers could bleed them dry of their draft assets, but that is what is in the war chest.”
Judging by Embiid’s troubling start to his ninth NBA season, the 7-foot center could use a change of scenery in the offseason.
Staying healthy has been a significant issue for Embiid this year. Due to a lower body setback, the two-time scoring champion has only participated in 22% of the 76ers’ regular season contests.
Embiid averages 22 points in five appearances, but his miserable shooting splits suggest he isn’t his usual dominant self.
Still, the seven-time All-Star’s convincing low-post moves, pick-and-pop ability, and underrated handle near the free-throw line area may intrigue the Lakers during the next free-agency period.
While Reaves has proven to be a clutch wing who will take and make difficult jumpers, the Lakers would likely include him in a trade package for Embiid if they were nearing a deal with the 76ers.