Joel Embiid to Lakers? Analyst Floats Shocking Trade Scenario Ahead of NBA Offseason

A new trade rumor has taken over involving Joel Embiid and the Los Angeles Lakers. With both Philadelphia 76ers and LA Lakers being out of the current NBA season, both teams are eyeing key offseason changes. Both sides have plenty of issues in their roster and are expected to make some big moves in the off season.

The Philadelphia 76ers have had another disappointing season finishing at the 13th position in the Eastern Conference. Injuries to star players played a key part in the 76ers’ horrific season run. Joel Embiid who is the franchise’s face has barely played any part this season.

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The Center has had consistent injury issues and internal discussions are already taking place over the future course of action. Embiid too will be looking for a new chapter. Amidst all this, the 31-year-old has been linked with a move to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Los Angeles franchise is known to make superstar deals and this couldn’t be ruled out going forward.

At least that is what popular NBA writer and podcaster Bill Simmons feels. It was him who pitched the idea of the trade on his recent podcast episode. It is from there that the rumor mill has spread to other parts of the NBA media groups. Lakers in search of a Center and is Joel Embiid the right option for them?

Lakers Desperate for a New Anchor

The Los Angeles Lakers lost one of their important defenders, Anthony Davis, to the Mavericks. Since then, their defensive output has gone significantly down. Lacking a big center was also one of the reasons behind the Lakers exit in the NBA Playoffs. Which is why the idea of Embiid fits well.

Bill Simmons on the possible trade said, “We’ll give you all our expiring and a first (round pick) and we’ll get you out of the Joel Embiid business. Here’s your ‘get out of jail free’ card right now; you don’t have to deal with him anymore. That’s my favorite Lakers move: all their expiring and two first-round picks, and they get Embiid, Reaves isn’t in it, he’s not in it.”

Adding further to his proposition, Simmons said, “You (Philadelphia 76ers) don’t even get Reaves. We don’t know if Embiid is ever playing again. I’m like I’ll take Embiid, you can have one of our first-round picks, and here’s some bunch of expiring”

The answer on if the Lakers will pursue the Joel Embiid deal is already there in the Bill Simmons comments. Embiid’s return timeline remains unclear. The 31-year-old has just played 19 games this season, while in the previous season just 39 games.

The Lakers’ front office remains one of the best negotiators in trade deals. One example is the latest Luka Doncic trade. It is hard to comprehend that the 17 time champions will move for Joel Embiid when they require a consistent starter in the defense. But nothing can be ruled out in the trade window, which is why the rumor will swirl around.