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Bill Simmons claims ‘interesting’ New York Knicks free agent signing would have fitted well with the LA Lakers

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 9:52 AM ET

The New York Knicks have signed a player who would have done well on the LA Lakers, says Bill Simmons.

The New York Knicks have had a turbulent few weeks. After weeks of searching, the Knicks finalized Mike Brown as their next head coach last week.

It was a move that was a long time coming. Once they had internally finalized the call, the Knicks told free agents they were ready to sign them.

Right after that, they got to work, as the Knicks agreed to sign Jordan Clarkson once he agreed to a buyout with the Utah Jazz.

But the signing that wowed all Knicks fans was landing Guerschon Yabusele, who impressed during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers.

It was a great pick-up for the Knicks. However, Bill Simmons believes Yabusele would have been an even better fit for the LA Lakers.

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Bill Simmons says Guerschon Yabusele would have been great for the LA Lakers

Speaking on his podcast, Bill Simmons spoke about the moves the New York Knicks made during the latest episode of his podcast.

When discussing the signing of Guerschon Yabusele, Simmons referenced how he swung the championship odds in favor of the Knicks. But he does believe the Frenchman would have been a strong signing for the Lakers.

“For the Knicks, Yabusele just swung it. Getting that guy as your seventh man? Yeah, he was like ‘they (76ers) wanted me to leave! They were almost driving me to the airport, trying to get rid of me.’ It was weird.

“I really like Yabusele. I actually thought he would have been an interesting Lakers signing…”

Few have discussed the fit of Yabusele with the Lakers, primarily because there was almost no noise about him potentially joining the Lakers. But perhaps that is a deal they should have considered.

Guerschon Yabusele could be a difference-maker for the New York Knicks

There is no reason to believe that Guerschon Yabusele won’t be a success for the New York Knicks. The French Olympian had a brilliant season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

He clearly put in a lot of effort to earn his spot last year, after an extended absence from the NBA. And given how the 76ers lowballed Yabusele, the motivation to thrive with the Knicks will be right there.

Last year, Yabusele averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while playing just 27 minutes per game.

On the Knicks, he will get another opportunity to play some big minutes, presumably off the bench. He can provide the two-way effort the Knicks sorely needed off the bench.

Will Yabusele continue to exceed expectations with the Knicks next season? He has all the opportunity in the world, as the Knicks are in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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