USA Today via Reuters
Dec 15, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) passes the ball past Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green (8) during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 15, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) passes the ball past Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green (8) during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Simmons has played no minutes on the basketball court ever since the Eastern Conference Playoffs last season. The 76ers were in a dilemma about Simmons, who clearly did not want to stay anymore. This dilemma could finally be over for the 76ers as reports emerge of a suitable trade option in Los Angeles. According to reports, the Lakers front office is willing to trade for Simmons in exchange for Russell Westbrook to the 76ers.
Report: Lakers reached out to Philadelphia to discuss Ben Simmons trade: “The conversation pretty much was, ‘We’re interested in Ben. How would we get there?’” https://t.co/oGsTGIht6e
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) December 15, 2021
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The former MVP has reportedly not impressed the Lakers enough this season for them to keep their original “Big Three” intact. While Westbrook still puts up the numbers on the box score, his inefficient play often brings down the entire team’s performance.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 12, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (14) defends Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) as he drives to the basket in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
What does this mean for Ben Simmons and Russell Westbrook?
While analyzing the style of play at Lakes, it’s clear that the Lakers lack a defensive pillar. Even in year 19 of his NBA career, LeBron James is still playing at an MVP-caliber level just to ensure that the Lakers remain a playoff team. This role was supposed to be Westbrook’s but he has evidently taken a back seat.
Anthony Davis has been efficient offensively but has not matched his expected caliber of play. Moreover, Westbrook has struggled on the defense and has not been efficient for the Lakers at all. Thus, the defensive presence of Ben Simmons is just what they might need to be back on track.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 27, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) greets Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) before the start of the game at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
An abysmal start to the season has left the 76ers as a near .500 team in the NBA. A team of that caliber with two All-Star players is always expected to compete for the championship. However, in the absence of Simmons, Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris have struggled to have a consistent defensive presence.
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While the 76ers found Matisse Thybulle as a defensive talent, they still do not have a true point guard who can run plays on the court. Maybe, Westbrook would finally find a fit and be the answer to their problems? As fans, let us know what you think.
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