With the 2026 NBA opening week here, all teams – including the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers – are eager to finalize their rosters.
After signing LeBron James and Jaylen Brown during the offseason, the 76ers have established themselves as contenders for the NBA championship. The Lakers could also be in contention, led by Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Meanwhile, NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that the 76ers and the Lakers could both look to pursue Dallas Mavericks center Moussa Cissé on a two-way contract. He reported that the Mavericks could waive Cissé in order to meet their 15-man roster limit.
Considering many teams are looking to add to their frontcourt depth to start the season, heavy interest in Cissé was expected. "There's a growing expectation among rival teams that Moussa Cissé is the Dallas player in the greatest jeopardy. The Stein Line has learned, however, that Cissé is a real candidate to be claimed off waivers in the event he is let go," Stein wrote .
However, the Mavericks ultimately decided to keep Cissé and instead waived veteran center Dwight Powell. Fans had varying views on the matter, with some believing that the Lakers could use a player with Cissé's potential.
"Zero faith in Lakers getting a highly coveted player on a 2-way contract. Doesn't even make sense tbh. Bulls have a roster spot still if im not mistaken. If u weren't gonna do a consolidation trade you should've just waived dk & bronny in the summer. Now ur missing out on a big," one Lakers fan wrote .
Some singled out players such as Bronny James (James' son) and Dalton Knecht, arguing that the team should have waived them to make room for a center.
One user echoed the same thoughts, urging the Lakers to cut Bronny and Knecht if need be, writing , "Lakers had better be ready and willing to do everything it takes to secure Moussa Cisse if he becomes available for them. If it means cutting both DK and Bronny, you just do it."
Another Lakers fan pushed for the deal , stating that Cissé would fit in well with Dončić and Reaves. "His agent needs to force his way to the Lakers. He will feast with 77 and 15."
A Lakers fan account took to blaming Bronny. "Yeah he ain't coming to LA on a two-way. Lakers missing out on more good NBA players because Bronny is taking up a roster spot," the user added .
Some spoke about Cissé himself, saying he would be a good backup. "He would be a great backup if he's waived," one fan said .
However, one fan pointed out how both the 76ers and the Lakers could be equally attractive options depending on what Cissé wants.
"If I am Moussa Cissé, I am going to the 76ers to get the most media exposure of that team or to the Lakers that will be happy to pay you next summer and have a real opportunity to do it. Fascinating 12 hours ahead," the user explained .
Last season, Cissé averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 57.4% from the field.
With his wide wingspan and height combined, a team like the Lakers could have certainly benefited from a player like Cissé. The Sixers, looking for a shot-blocker and backup center, would also have been an ideal fit.
The Lakers will kick off their 2026-27 campaign against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. The 76ers are scheduled to open their season by playing the defending champions, the New York Knicks, on Tuesday.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .
