As the 2024 NBA offseason unfolds, Ben Simmons finds himself at a crossroads. Once considered one of the league’s premier young talents, the former All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year candidate is now in the final year of a lucrative five-year, $177 million contract he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, his current team, the Brooklyn Nets, is not in a position to contend for a championship this season. Simmons, despite showing flashes of his former self, has struggled to regain the form that once made him one of the most premier players in the NBA. The Los Angelwa Lakers could be an unlikely destination for Ben Simmons to restart his career.
Lakers Could Restart Career Of Former All-NBA Talent
Simmons’ current deal is valued at $40.3 million, a significant sum for a player whose value remains uncertain. Following his trade from the 76ers to the Nets, Simmons has battled with a plethora of injuries. He missed the entire 2021-22 season, holding out for a trade away from the Sixers and dealing with a back injury.
He has appeared in just 57 games for the Nets. In March, the Nets announced that Simmons had a microscopic partial discectomy to alleviate the pinched nerve in his lower back—an injury that has plagued him for at least three years. The surgery was a necessary step in his recovery, because this pinched nerve has undoubtedly affected his ability to perform at the level expected of a max-contract player.
Given the Nets’ non-competitive status and Simmons’ contract situation, there is growing speculation about whether a buyout could be on the horizon. While Brooklyn may not be motivated to pursue such a move immediately, the Lakers should consider stepping in to convince the Nets to part ways with Simmons. For the Lakers, this could be an opportunity to acquire a once-elite player on a veteran’s minimum contract—a low-risk, high-reward move that could potentially elevate their championship aspirations.
The Lakers’ Window to Maximize LeBron and AD
The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, are in win-now mode. With LeBron firmly in the twilight of his career and Davis nearing the end of his prime, the Lakers are desperate to capitalize on their remaining years together and secure another championship. However, the supporting cast around their two stars has often been inconsistent, and depth remains a concern for the team. They were 28th in the regular season and last in the postseason in bench points in 2023-24.
Adding Ben Simmons to the mix could be a game-changer for the Lakers. At his best, Simmons is a six-foot-10 point-forward who can defend multiple positions, push the ball in transition, and create opportunities for his teammates. While his shooting woes have been well-documented, Simmons’ ability to impact the game in other ways makes him a valuable asset—especially for a team like the Lakers that needs versatility and defense.
A Fresh Start for Simmons
The Lakers acquring Simmons could be the perfect opportunity to revive his career. Playing alongside James and Davis would relieve some of the pressure on him to be a primary scorer, allowing him to focus on what he does best—facilitating, defending, and exploiting mismatches. Additionally, the bright lights of Los Angeles could provide Simmons with the motivation to return to his All-Star form, knowing that a strong season could lead to a more lucrative contract in free agency.
With James serving as both a mentor and a leader, Simmons would have the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest players of all-time while contributing to a team with championship aspirations. It’s important to add that there is a connection between James and Simmons through super agency, Clutch Sports. Simmons and the agency mutually parted ways in 2023.
The Financial Aspect
From a financial standpoint, a buyout and subsequent signing with the Lakers would make sense for all parties involved. The Nets could free up cap space and focus on their rebuild by moving on from Simmons. Sean Marks could save a few millions for Joe Tsai by negotiating a buyout. Also, they have three first round picks in the loaded 2025 draft. That cap space would be useful to either sign top prospects or make a move for a superstar. Under the new CBA, cap space has become increasingly important.
Meanwhile, the Lakers would be able to add a potentially high-impact player without sacrificing significant financial resources. Signing Simmons to a veteran’s minimum deal would be a low-risk move for the Lakers. If Simmons regains his form, they would have acquired a top-tier talent at a bargain price. If he struggles, the financial impact would be minimal, and the Lakers could still benefit from his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities off the bench.
The Last Word
As Simmons enters the final year of his contract, the NBA world watches with intrigue to see how his story will unfold. By convincing the Nets to buy out Simmons, the Lakers could potentially secure a game-changing addition to their team—one that could help them maximize their championship window.
In the unpredictable world of the NBA, sometimes the most unexpected moves can lead to the greatest success. For both Simmons and the Lakers, this could be the fresh start they both need to reach their full potential.
