Bradley Beal is one of the league’s hottest commodities right now and, with his future in Washington uncertain, many teams in the league have already entertained the idea of trading for him.
This does not exclude the L.A. Lakers. Despite being the top team in the West, there is room to improve — especially in the backcourt. A trade for Beal might solve several of their biggest problems, and he’s young enough to be a long-term solution for them. But how serious have they been about actually making a deal?
According to Shams, they’ve flashed their interest several times over the course of the season.
The Lakers had shown interest in Bradley Beal at ‘different points’, per @ShamsCharania
(Via Complex’s Load Management Podcast) pic.twitter.com/fPqS0Nf2CS
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 9, 2020
The state of the Wizards is no doubt the biggest player in his potential availability. Despite signing an extension last summer, the condition of the team has been bad enough for people to question not only Brad’s loyalty to the team but also whether or not they are better-off dealing him. A trade might allow both sides to move on and start over.
As for the Lakers, their lack of a true point guard has been a headline all season long. LeBron has been doing well enough so far, but he’s 35-years-old and will need to preserve more of his energy as his career advances.
Beal would be an ideal fit as a ball-handler and shooter who could free up the inside and take the pressure of James and Davis to carry the load offensively.
At the very least, it seems worthy of thought by the Lakers’ brass. It’ll be interesting to see what transpires.
