Philadelphia
Okafor, the No. 3 pick in the 2015 draft, was dropped from the rotation this season and has played only two games. The Sixers also sent guard Nik Stauskas and a 2019 second-round pick to the Nets for forward Trevor Booker.
Okafor has largely been considered a bust and he asked for a contract buyout once the Sixers declined to pick up his option. The Sixers declined to release Okafor for nothing, continued to shop the 6-foot-11 center out of Duke and finally found a taker in the Nets.
Stauskas had played in only six games for the 76ers. Booker averaged 10.1 points for the Nets.
“It’s been real Brooklyn. Will always have nothing but love for you. Loved my time in New York!!!” Booker tweeted on Thursday night. “Philly what it do ?”
Lakers 107, Sixers 104
Philadelphia
Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson added 16 points apiece for the Lakers, who snapped a five-game losing streak. Joel Embiid scored 33 points and Ben Simmons had a triple-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists for Philadelphia.
No. 21 Purdue 80, Valparaiso 50
West Lafayette, Ind.
With 8 minutes remaining in the first half, the Boilermakers (9-2) held a 15-12 lead when Carsen Edwards’ fastbreak layup ignited a 21-4 run.
