Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers find themselves at critical junctures this summer.
The Lakers, fresh off a first-round playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves, are grappling with a roster that, despite the blockbuster acquisition of Luka Dončić, lacks the depth and cohesion to compete for a championship. LeBron James, now 40, remains a force, but his timeline for contention is shrinking.
Meanwhile, Dončić’s ball-dominant style has exposed fit issues with some of the Lakers’ supporting cast, particularly Austin Reaves. Reaves, a talented shot-creator, has seen his role diminished since Dončić’s arrival. The Lakers are reportedly exploring trades to retool their roster, aiming to maximize LeBron’s final years while setting up a future around Dončić.
On the other side, the Philadelphia 76ers are in disarray. The pairing of Paul George with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey has been a disaster. George, entering year two of a four-year, $212 million contract, played in just 41 games in 2024-25 and averaged just 16.1 points per game, his lowest figure since 2012.
With the experiment failing, the Sixers are looking to pivot, potentially rebuilding around Maxey and rookie Jared McCain while shedding George’s hefty deal.
A blockbuster trade could be on the horizon to address both teams’ needs.
The Trade
Lakers receive…
- Paul George
- Eric Gordon (expiring)
- 2025 No. 3 overall pick
76ers receive…
- Austin Reaves
- Dalton Knecht
- Rui Hachimura (expiring)
- Dorian Finney-Smith (expiring)
For the Lakers, adding veterans like George and Gordon would align with LeBron’s win-now timeline.
George, despite his struggles last year, could be a nice third option for the Lakers and experience a career resurgence, while Gordon offers reliable scoring off the bench.
The No. 3 pick, however, would be the long-term prize, allowing the Lakers to draft a young star who could develop into Dončić’s ideal sidekick by the time LeBron retires.
For the Sixers, Reaves would be a dynamic guard to pair with either Maxey or McCain in different lineups, while Knecht, Finney-Smith, and Hachimura would provide depth and flexibility as they retool their roster.
Who says no?