Updated: 5:51 p.m.
The mini-drama regarding Ben Simmons wanting to work with Magic Johnson this summer to learn "big guard" secrets might not be over.
The NBA is looking into whether any contact took place between the Lakers and Simmons that violated league rules.
The NBA is looking into whether any contact took place between Ben Simmons and the Los Angeles Lakers that violated NBA rules, league spokesperson Mike Bass tells @TheAthleticNBA.— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 11, 2019
Tampering, we would presume, might be one of the league rules in question.
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Sixers general manager Elton Brand also responded to the situation, speaking with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Elton Brand tells ESPN: "No issue. I have a great relationship with Ben and Rich (Paul) and we expect him to be a Sixer for a long time. He has taken interest in chatting with some of the game's all-time greats and we're supportive. I had brief dialogue with Rob Pelinka...."— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 11, 2019
More Brand on Lakers/Simmons: "...who I've known for a long time, but nothing is planned. Our collective focus is on making a postseason push. Again, we're not seating this, end of story."— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 11, 2019
The Lakers released an official response Monday night, indicating that they received an email from the Sixers in November asking if Simmons would be able to speak with Johnson.
Statement from the Lakers on the Magic Johnson/Ben Simmons intrigue: pic.twitter.com/pSiEQ0u6hD— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 11, 2019
Earlier Monday, Brand said on 97.5 The Fanatic that he declined to give Johnson and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka permission to talk with Simmons.
Johnson's decision Sunday before the Sixers' 143-120 win over the Lakers to mention the possibility of working with Simmons this summer was unusual, and it's certainly grabbed a few headlines.
The notion that Simmons would want to learn from Johnson isn't so odd. Simmons is obviously not at a Hall of Fame level yet, but his game has justifiably drawn comparisons to Johnson's. His 12 regular-season triple-doubles last season passed Johnson for second-most ever by a rookie, behind only Oscar Robertson.
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