Lakers Linked to Blockbuster Trade for 76ers' $187 Million All-Star

Chances are the Philadelphia 76ers are stuck with Joel Embiid's upcoming three-year, $187 million contract extension until it expires.

That is unless an organization is willing to take a shot on Embiid's talent despite the countless injuries he's suffered over the course of his NBA career.

One team that could surprisingly have motivation to make a trade for Embiid is the Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN's Dave McMenamin revealed Lakers franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic's "first and foremost desire" is to play alongside an "A-list center." Because Embiid fits that description, FanSided linked the Lakers to a potential blockbuster trade for Embiid.

How realistic is it for Embiid to end up in a Lakers uniform? Unlikely at best.

Given his contract and history of injuries, it feels improbable Los Angeles' front office even entertains the idea of trading for Embiid. He appeared in just 38 games in the 2025-2026 season and has not played in more than 60 games since 2023.

But, for the sake of argument, let's say Rob Pelinka and company are interested.

It would likely take a sign-and-trade involving Austin Reaves or LeBron James heading to a third team for this to even be possible. The Lakers just simply don't possess the salaries necessary to match Embiid's lucrative contract outright. 

For the Sixers, moving on from 'The Process' era would allow the new-look front office to begin building around the backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe. While Paul George would still be on the roster, it's fair to assume Philadelphia would also explore trades involving him in this scenario.

Los Angeles, meanwhile, would immediately become home to one of the most dominant offensive duos in league history. Embiid, when healthy, is arguably the most gifted offensive big man of all-time, as he still managed to average 26.9 points this season. Doncic is seen as a generational scorer as well.

While it's fun to speculate, neither party involved in this hypothetical blockbuster should expect to see it happen anytime soon.

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Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.