The Los Angeles Lakers are in a severe rebuilding stage. They have no real stars, and this is not expected to change any time soon. However, they do have a gem in the making in the shape of Ben Simmons. He is the type of player that every NBA team should want, but the Lakers can’t seem to get enough of him. Here are some thoughts on why he should be part of the Los Angeles Lakers ‘ term plan.
He is versatile: It is one thing to say that Simmons can play the point, but he is much more than that. He is a very good playmaker, an excellent rebound player, a strong defender, and a quality three-point shooter. He is very versatile for a player that is this talented.
He is also the perfect mentor for the young guns that the Lakers have coming up through the system. There are concerns about whether or not the current crop of players is ready to take the mantle of big-time players. Simmons has already been there, and he knows what it takes. That is something that a team doesn’t have as a coach or a general manager. He will be able to provide the leadership that a young team needs.
He brings a winning attitude: This is the most important quality that a general manager or coach must possess. There is no doubt that Kobe Bryant is a fantastic talent, but he is probably the only guy on the team that really brings anything to the table on a nightly basis. Sure, Steve Nash and Mike Bibby bring great defense and rebounding, but they are often not effective on the open floor. Ben Simmons brings a unique skill set that few other players are able to come along with. If he can be a consistently dominant force on the interior, he could turn the Lakers into a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference.
His Trade Value: The Laker front office may feel that trading for Ben Simmons is the best move they can make at this time. They may believe that they can get even more out of him than what they are likely to get on draft day. They may believe that they can make him an All-Star. This is possible, but if they get this particular player in return, it may be for nothing. He will have to develop into a leader in order to be successful.
The players: The Kings do not have very many players that are worth acquiring. They are perhaps the most talented team in the Western Conference, but they do not seem to have any real stars. It would be difficult to acquire someone that you think will make them into a star, as they currently sit at the bottom of the barrel in the Eastern Conference. They may, however, be a unit that can make some noise in the playoffs.
The Coach: The Kings are going to get better. It is just a matter of when. If they can develop a superstar, that may be the best move that they make. Right now, they need to develop some depth. If they can acquire someone that can help on that front, they will have done themselves some real good.
The Trade Value: Right now, I do not think the Lakers really want to make this deal. They would rather keep their young guns, give them a chance to develop, and wait and see what happens in free agency next summer. I do not think that they are willing to part with the big money that it will take to get him. This move may make sense in the short term, but I am not sure that it will be anything long-term.
