NBA analyst and sports media mogul Bill Simmons is no stranger to bold takes and trade hypotheticals. But his latest proposal has sent shockwaves through the basketball world. On a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons dropped a bombshell trade idea: Joel Embiid to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Yes, you read that right.
Simmons proposed a scenario in which the Philadelphia 76ers would send reigning MVP Joel Embiid to the Lakers in a massive blockbuster trade. The deal, according to Simmons, would involve the Lakers parting ways with Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, multiple first-round picks, and potentially other assets to make the salaries and value match up.
It didn’t take long for social media to ignite. Lakers fans were divided between those ready to welcome Embiid as the new face of the franchise and those fiercely loyal to Anthony Davis. Sixers fans, meanwhile, erupted in disbelief at the mere suggestion of moving their franchise cornerstone.
Why Embiid to the Lakers?
Simmons laid out his reasoning with typical flair. He argued that the Sixers’ championship window might be closing with Embiid’s injury history and playoff struggles, especially after another disappointing postseason exit. “At some point,” Simmons said, “you have to ask if Embiid is ever going to get it done in Philly. And if not, why not cash in now and retool around Tyrese Maxey?”
From the Lakers’ perspective, Simmons suggested that pairing LeBron James (likely entering his final seasons) with a dominant offensive and defensive force like Embiid could be the final push needed to bring another title to L.A.
The Internet Reacts
Fans, analysts, and former players quickly chimed in. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #EmbiidToLakers and #SimmonsTradeTake began trending. Some praised the idea as visionary. Others dismissed it as a fantasy.
NBA insider Marc Stein called it “a total long shot, but undeniably entertaining.” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said the trade would “redefine the landscape of the NBA,” but cautioned that there’s no indication either team is considering such a move—at least for now.
Draymond Green, never one to stay silent, joked on his podcast, “I gotta ask Embiid if he’s got a house picked out in Beverly Hills already.”
Is There Any Real Possibility?
In reality, there are huge hurdles to such a deal. Embiid is under contract through at least 2027, and the Sixers have repeatedly committed to building around him. The Lakers would need to mortgage nearly all their future assets to make the trade work financially and competitively.
Still, the speculation raises interesting questions. How long will the Sixers keep trying the same formula with Embiid at the center? And are the Lakers bold enough to push all their chips in on one final championship run with LeBron?
The Bigger Picture
Whether it’s feasible or not, Simmons’ trade proposal taps into the drama that makes the NBA offseason as compelling as the games themselves. Superstar movement has defined the modern NBA, and fans are always hungry for the next seismic shift.
Joel Embiid in purple and gold? It’s the kind of idea that fuels barbershop debates, podcast segments, and Reddit threads for weeks. Even if it never comes close to happening, the mere possibility is enough to keep NBA fans—and front offices—on their toes.
For now, it’s just a wild hypothetical. But in the NBA, today’s hot take can become tomorrow’s Woj Bomb.
