No matter how much the Los Angeles Lakers may want to sign Ben Simmons, they can't.
No matter how many rumors or speculation link the Lakers to Simmons, they can't sign him.
In fact, the Lakers can't sign any free agents until January 18.
Why? They're hard-capped at the first apron, which prevents a signing of a 15th player to the roster until that date.
Conceptually, if the Lakers moved a player (and some salary), that could change. Maxi Kleber is probably the most likely candidate for that.
In the meantime, no Simmons or anyone else.
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It's not great news for Simmons' free agency, because most teams are all done with business, for reasons like this or many others.
Simmons hasn't been linked to the Lakers recently, but in 2021, it was reported that he wanted to play for "one of the teams in California." Later that year, Shams Charania mentioned the Lakers as one of the teams interested in Simmons.
Simmons spent part of the 2024-25 season in Los Angeles with the Clippers.
"Simmons is in a numbers crunch," writes ESPN's Bobby Marks. "He is one of the nearly 75 players who finished the regular season on a roster but are still without a home for next season. The primary reason? It starts with the 41 players selected in the draft who signed first- and second-round contracts. Those players have replaced veterans, including Simmons, on rosters for next season. Also, teams other than Golden State, for the most part, have completed their rosters for next season or cannot sign a player due to the apron. For example, the Lakers have an open roster spot but cannot sign a player until Jan. 18."
Simmons is still an intriguing piece for his combination of defense, length and playmaking. But his lack of scoring ability certainly put a damper on any of the long-term upside it seemed like Simmons once possessed.
Now, he's just gotta hope for a chance. He needs the numbers game to work out in his favor, because right now, it very much is not.
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