Ben Simmons Could Solve the Lakers’ Forward Problem With Low Risk

The Los Angeles Lakers are in need of a forward, and free agent Ben Simmons could be a valuable addition. As a former No. 1 overall pick from LSU, Simmons has been compared to LeBron James, with many viewing him as a franchise player. His impressive resume includes being an elite defender, capable of handling the ball, finishing at an elite level, and passing like a guard during his first season with the Sixers.

However, Simmons' performance suffered from the pressure of playing in Philadelphia, as well as an inability to develop his jump shot, which led to a significant regression and ultimately a season-long absence from the NBA. Despite this setback, Simmons has expressed his desire to return to the league and prove himself once again.

His versatility, ability to guard multiple positions, and strong rebounding and passing skills make him an attractive option for the Lakers. With a league-minimum contract, the team could take a low-risk gamble on Simmons, potentially benefiting from head coach JJ Redick's coaching and seeing how he develops.