The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Comparing the Sixers and Lakers as free agent destinations

By Dan Volpone

(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 03: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers talk with referee Jonathan Sterling in the second half of a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 100-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 03: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers talk with referee Jonathan Sterling in the second half of a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 100-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Roster

This category really has two parts: current talent and potential. A superstar like LeBron James or Paul George will want to pick a team good enough to win now but young enough to carry them at the tail end of their career.

Current Talent

When it comes to winning now, the Sixers have a clear edge. A simple look at the standings shows the Sixers at 32-26, making a run at home court in the first round of the playoffs, while the Lakers sit at 25-34, 6.5 games back of a playoff spot in the West.

More from Free Agency

The Sixers already have All-Star starter Joel Embiid and four-time almost-All-Star Ben Simmons. If they’re able to land a top free agent, they would also have the assets to put together an enticing trade package for someone like Kawhi Leonard, who apparently doesn’t feel like playing right now.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have many young  players who have shown nothing more than occasional flashes. Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Brandon Ingram have all looked good at certain points this season, but none has shown consistency.

The Lakers would, however, have the cap space to sign two players to max deals, assuming they don’t renew Isaiah Thomas‘ contract. This means Paul George, who has long been linked to the Lakers, could team up with LeBron in L.A.

When it comes down to it, the Sixers have a much better current roster. Adding LeBron to Philly makes them instant championship contenders. The Lakers are multiple pieces away, and even with Lebron I have a hard time seeing them getting past Golden State.

Future Potential

In addition to the already elite Embiid and Simmons, the Sixers also have Markelle Fultz. After forgetting how to shoot, Fultz is far from a sure thing. But he still was the first pick in last year’s draft. If he can return to his old form, he’ll be a multiple-time All-Star.

Other than hoping one of Ball, Kuzma, and Ingram makes a huge leap, the Lakers aren’t loaded with potential. Despite repeated lottery luck, their drafts have been mediocre the past few summers. They’ll likely need to look for outside help to have any chance of competing.

The Sixers young players are better now and project to be better in the future. It’s clear when examining each roster who has the upper hand.

Advantage: Sixers