Analyst proposes 76ers-Lakers trade involving LeBron James
Bill Simmons of The Ringer, on a podcast with fellow analyst Howard Beck, recently hypothesized about the possibility of the Lakers making a hard reset given their uninspiring play this season. While both admitted that a trade initiated by LA would be unlikely, things would be much different if LeBron James himself takes matters into his own hands and tries to find a way out of Hollywood.
Among the teams Simmons pointed at as viable landing spots for the 19-time All-Star is Philadelphia. He laid out a way for the 76ers to strike a deal for him, with the team giving up a package around Tobias Harris, salary-matching players, and multiple first-round picks in return.
Harris, who’s on an expiring deal this season, has long been considered expendable. The 76ers have a set pecking order offensively, and while the veteran forward has fared just fine on the tertiary, his contract situation gives the front office a lot fo legroom to work their way into high-profile trade candidates.
In addition, the 76ers have a slew of other expiring deals to make the money work, in addition to significant draft compensation they could possibly hedge against other potential buyers, although that would require the Lakers to fully go all-in on a reboot.
Anyway, should Philly go all-in on James should he become available?