Could Ben Simmons’ NBA comeback begin alongside Luka Dončić in Los Angeles?
The Australian has reportedly received a non-guaranteed training camp offer from an unnamed Western Conference team, immediately raising speculation about whether the Lakers could be preparing to take a low-risk chance on the former All-Star.
There is currently no confirmation that the Lakers made the offer or have held negotiations with Simmons. However, their need for defensive versatility and Simmons’ willingness to accept a minimum contract make Los Angeles an intriguing—if imperfect—possibility.
Simmons receives Western Conference offer
ESPN and Andscape senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears revealed that Simmons has received a training camp offer as he attempts to return following a season away from basketball.
“He does have an offer from a West team to come to a training camp,” Spears said on NBA Today.
Spears later clarified that the proposal was not guaranteed.
“A non-guaranteed offer,” Spears said.
“I think he’s hoping if he plays well in this training camp, with coaches like Adam Caporn from the Wizards and other people with NBA ties at this camp, that perhaps this could lead to something else.
“There’s a couple other teams that are interested, so I think maybe he’ll have an option soon that he really likes.”
The team’s identity remains secret. The Lakers are one of 15 Western Conference franchises that could have made the approach, but no reputable NBA insider has identified them as the mystery club.
The Heavy Sports report discusses Simmons in connection with the Lakers, but it does not confirm that Los Angeles has offered him a contract.
For now, a potential Lakers move remains speculation.
Why the Lakers could consider Simmons
Los Angeles has reshaped its roster around Dončić and needs defenders capable of covering for its franchise star.
That is where a healthy Simmons could become valuable.
At 208 centimetres, he can defend guards, wings and some forwards. He can also rebound, initiate fast breaks and create opportunities for teammates without needing to score.
At his peak in Philadelphia, Simmons was among the NBA’s best defensive players. He earned three consecutive All-Star selections between 2019 and 2021, made two All-Defensive First Teams and finished second in the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year voting.
The Lakers have already signed Marcus Smart and added Deandre Ayton to improve their defence, but Simmons would provide another versatile option if he recovered enough of his former athleticism.
Most importantly, he would be inexpensive.
Simmons is reportedly open to accepting the veteran minimum, while a non-guaranteed training camp contract would allow Los Angeles to evaluate him before committing a roster spot.
If the experiment failed, the Lakers could move on without suffering significant salary-cap damage.
Simmons could strengthen Lakers’ second unit
Simmons should no longer be viewed as a starting point guard or primary offensive creator.
His realistic path back into the NBA is as a defensive utility player who handles limited playmaking responsibilities from the bench.
That role could potentially work in Los Angeles.
Simmons could lead second-unit possessions when Dončić rests, push the ball after defensive rebounds and defend the opposition’s most dangerous perimeter player.
His ability to pass at his size could also give the Lakers another offensive organiser when injuries or load management disrupt their regular rotation.
Smart is currently positioned to receive many of those backup guard minutes, but he and Simmons offer different physical profiles. Smart is the more reliable shooter and established vocal leader, while Simmons provides greater size and positional versatility.
Training camp would allow the Lakers to determine whether those qualities could coexist.
The Dončić problem
The strongest argument against Simmons joining Los Angeles is his potential fit beside Dončić.
Dončić dominates the ball and creates open shots by forcing defenders to collapse towards him. The players around him must punish opponents for leaving them unguarded.
Simmons has made only five three-pointers across his NBA regular-season career.
Defenders routinely move away from him when he stands on the perimeter, placing another body in Dončić’s driving lanes. That could dramatically reduce the space available to the Lakers’ best player.
Giving Simmons the ball would not solve the problem. Every possession he initiates would be one taken away from one of the most productive offensive creators in NBA history.
The Lakers could avoid pairing the two for extended periods, but using a roster spot on someone who cannot comfortably play beside the franchise cornerstone would be questionable.
A move would depend on Simmons accepting his role
Simmons’ attitude towards a reduced role may determine whether the Lakers—or another contender—seriously pursues him.
He would not be arriving as the three-time All-Star Philadelphia once built around. He would be competing for a place at the end of the rotation.
That means defending relentlessly, setting screens, rebounding and creating transition opportunities without demanding significant possession time.
Simmons has indicated that he understands his market has changed. Reports suggest he is willing to sign a veteran-minimum contract after previously earning superstar money.
He has also spoken confidently about what he can still provide.
“I plan on getting as strong as I can physically, getting my ass on the court, and then the team realising that my abilities will be needed,” Simmons told Men’s Health.
“I don’t have a plan on where.”
Simmons publicly mentioned Philadelphia and Miami as possible destinations but did not name the Lakers.
“Maybe I’ll go back to Philly,” he said.
“Miami would be nice. And not because it’s Miami—I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organisation, I like the culture.”
Boomers camp provides important audition
Simmons is participating in a player-led Australian Boomers minicamp in Melbourne as part of his comeback attempt.
According to ESPN, he was expected to train fully and with “zero restrictions”.
Working alongside players such as Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels gives Simmons the opportunity to prove his health and conditioning against NBA-level opposition.
The camp also includes coaches and basketball personnel with connections throughout the league, meaning strong performances could generate additional offers.
Simmons reportedly hopes to represent Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Before that becomes realistic, he must show he can remain healthy and commit consistently to professional basketball.
Can Simmons still contribute?
Simmons last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season, splitting his time between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.
He appeared in 51 regular-season games and averaged 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 22 minutes.
His production declined further after joining the Clippers. Simmons averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists across 18 appearances before his postseason role was reduced.
He subsequently sat out the entire 2025-26 season.
Recurring back problems have been the biggest obstacle. Simmons has undergone multiple procedures and has not consistently displayed the explosiveness that once made him an elite defender and transition player.
The Melbourne camp may offer the clearest indication yet of how much athleticism he has recovered.
Could the Lakers be the mystery team?
The Lakers have the profile of a club that could consider a non-guaranteed gamble.
They are attempting to compete immediately around Dončić, need versatile defenders and would have little to lose financially by inviting Simmons to training camp.
Los Angeles also offers the visibility and competitive environment Simmons appears to be seeking.
However, those factors do not prove the Lakers made the offer.
Other Western Conference teams may have more playing time available and rosters better equipped to compensate for his lack of shooting. Simmons may prefer a destination where he has a clearer path into the rotation.
Until Spears or another established reporter identifies the team, the Lakers connection should be viewed as an interesting possibility rather than an imminent signing.
Simmons in purple and gold would undoubtedly generate attention. Whether the basketball fit makes sense is another matter.
