RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Los Angeles Lakers need help at forward, and Ben Simmons, a free agent looking for a home, could be worth a flier.
The Lakers are a franchise known for taking risks on highly talented players, and Ben Simmons fits that description to a T.
The former No. 1 overall pick out of LSU was boldly compared to LeBron James coming out of college, and he was described as a franchise player.
During his first season with the Sixers, he lived up to his prospect billing, not quite James, but an elite defender who could handle the ball, finish at an elite level, and pass like a guard.
Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) at the end of the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
However, the pressure of playing in Philadelphia, along with a jump shot never developing, hampered his growth and, in fact, caused a total regression, which has him on the outskirts of the NBA.
In fact, despite being in his physical prime, Simmons did not play last year at all, a true rock-bottom moment for the former All-NBA player.
Still, Simmons has been active on social media, expressing interest in coming back to the league and reasserting himself as a player in the association.
“I wouldn’t change the story. The highs, the lows, the pain, the time, the lessons. I embrace all of it,” Simmons wrote on Instagram.
“Every chapter built something in me that I couldn’t have built any other way.
“Grateful for where I’ve been. Proud of where I stand. Ready for wherever this goes.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ben Simmons (@bensimmons)
Why Ben Simmons makes sense for the Lakers
Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Simmons can guard every possible position on the floor, switching at will and guarding up to centers at certain points.
Additionally, he is a good rebounder and contributes in terms of assists. He also gives head coach JJ Redick the chance to run some unique plays, with Simmons handling the ball and even running pick-and-roll actions to take some pressure off Doncic and Reaves.
On a league-minimum contract, Simmons is worth taking a gamble on, seeing what kind of development magic Redick can do, and whether he can finally move on from his mental demons to get his career back on track.
The post Ben Simmons Could Solve the Lakers’ Forward Problem With Low Risk appeared first on LA Sports Report .
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.