Context:

The Los Angeles Lakers, following an unexpected first-round playoff exit despite a star-studded roster, are prioritizing the acquisition of a new center. Bill Simmons proposed a controversial trade involving Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid, suggesting the Lakers trade several expiring contracts and draft picks to acquire him. However, the proposal faced significant backlash from fans who criticized Embiid's injury history and questioned the trade's benefit to the Lakers. Skeptics argue that acquiring Embiid, who has been plagued with health issues, might not be a wise move considering the Lakers' recent rescinded trade for Mark Williams due to a failed physical. The suggestion that Embiid might not even play again further fueled doubts about the feasibility and wisdom of the trade proposal.

Dive Deeper:

• The Los Angeles Lakers are in search of a new center after an unexpected first-round playoff exit and a failed trade for Mark Williams, which was rescinded due to physical health issues.

• Bill Simmons proposed a trade that would send Philadelphia 76ers' center Joel Embiid to the Lakers in exchange for several expiring contracts and draft picks, excluding Austin Reaves.

• The trade proposal was met with widespread skepticism and criticism from fans, particularly due to Embiid's history of injuries and the suggestion that he might not play again.

• Critics argue that the trade could potentially set the Lakers back, as acquiring an injury-prone player like Embiid might not address their needs effectively.

• The Lakers' past experiences with injury-related trade issues, such as the rescinded deal for Williams, add to the concerns about pursuing Embiid.

• Fans voiced their doubts, with some labeling the proposal as delusional and a move that might benefit the Celtics more than the Lakers.

• The controversy highlights the complexity and risk involved in NBA trade decisions, especially when dealing with players known for their health vulnerabilities.

• The Los Angeles Lakers first-round exit was not what many expected with a roster that featured LeBron James and Luka Doncic. But, that's the reality. 

• Now, the offseason is here, and the biggest question will be at the center position. After the Mark Williams trade was rescinded, the Lakers signed Alex Len, although that didn't work out. 

• Jaxson Hayes played fairly well, but he might not be the quality center the Lakers are hoping for in order to make a run through the Western Conference. 

• So, finding a center should be a top priority for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers. 

• Well, Bill Simmons of The Ringer had just the idea: Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. 

• In a recent podcast appearance, Simmons laid out a trade proposal that would send Embiid to LA in exchange for a flurry of picks and players. 

• Simmons said the Lakers could give all of their expiring contracts: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber, as well as a first (or more). 

• “Here’s ALL of our expirings (Rui, DFS, Gabe, Kleber) and a [first-round pick] and we’ll get you out of the Joel Embiid business.”

• Nice try Bill https://t.co/QCdI3vBns2 pic.twitter.com/TGwKCdMjvo

• — 𝘼𝙫𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙘 (@Avonic_) May 5, 2025
  Bill Simmons outlines a way for the Lakers to trade for Joel Embiid without giving up Austin Reaves 👀 pic.twitter.com/NYavFnxKIf  

• — Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) May 5, 2025 "That's my favorite Lakers move," Simmons added. "All their expirings and two first-round picks and they get Embiid. Reaves isn't in it. We don't know if Embiid's ever playing again." 

• As expected, fans weren't too on board with this, especially Lakers fans. 

• "A non-lob threat who’s never healthy? I respect Embiid but NAH!! I’m all the way good on this lol" one fan replied. "Delusional. LOL" a Thunder fan wrote. 

• "A trade for the Lakers only Bill Simmons could espouse," another replied. 

• "He’s a celtics fan. He knows this trade sets the Lakers back and prevents us from competing. If you’re a Lakers fan and like this trade you are a lost cause," another pointed out. 

• "I cannot sanction this buffoonery," another said. 

• Is Embiid talented? Sure. But he isn't healthy. He hasn't been healthy, and the Lakers' acquisition of Williams got rescinded because there was an issue with his physical. 

• So, the Lakers now turn and acquire Embiid, an injury-prone center? It definitely is a confusing proposal, especially with Simmons then adding, "We don't know if Embiid's ever playing again." 

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