Ben Simmons to the Lakers? Here's What's Actually True

The Rumor That Blew Up

Ben Simmons hasn't played an NBA game since April 2025, sitting out all of last season to focus on getting his body right. So when word broke that he's back in action at an Australian national team minicamp in Melbourne, fully cleared with zero restrictions, the NBA rumor mill went into overdrive. The version that spread fastest? That the Lakers had reached out to Simmons about a potential deal.

Where the Story Actually Came From

The real reporting traces back to Marc J. Spears of ESPN Andscape, who broke the news of Simmons' health and full participation at the minicamp. Spears also reported that several NBA teams have expressed interest in Simmons, including one Western Conference squad willing to offer more than a minimum deal. That's it. No team names attached in Spears' original report.

The Lakers-specific claim came from a separate account, Marc Jacobs of Lakers Film Studio, who posted that the Lakers were "among the teams" reaching out and that Simmons was willing to sign for the veteran minimum. That post is what went viral, but it's not backed by Spears or any other credible NBA insider. As of now, there's no confirmed reporting tying the Lakers directly to Simmons talks.

Why People Bought the Lakers Connection So Fast

The rumor spread because it actually makes sense on paper. Simmons played alongside JJ Redick in Philadelphia, and the two have stayed close since Redick took over as Lakers head coach. The Lakers also have real roster needs Simmons could theoretically address, they're thin at forward and could use a backup option behind their starting center. Simmons, when healthy, is a switchable defender and secondary playmaker who fits that kind of utility role. It's a believable fit, which is exactly why an unverified report about it took off so easily.

What's Actually Confirmed Right Now

• Simmons is fully participating in the Australian minicamp with no restrictions, a genuine health milestone after a lost season.
• Multiple NBA teams have expressed real interest, per Spears' reporting.
• One unnamed Western Conference team reportedly offered more than the veteran minimum.
• The Lakers have not been named as one of those interested teams by any verified NBA reporter.

What to Watch

Simmons is reportedly weighing his options, and his camp appears open to a minimum-level deal to prove himself again. Until a reporter with direct sourcing names specific teams, treat any "Lakers reached out" headline as speculation dressed up as news. The real story here isn't Lakers-Simmons, it's that Simmons looks healthy enough to actually get back on an NBA court, and that alone is worth watching heading into free agency season.