While the Los Angeles Clippers are borrowing some of the spotlight after trading Norman Powell for John Collins, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ next move could be even more impactful.
According to The Stein Line’s NBA insider Jake Fischer, the market for Bradley Beal is heating up, and the latest trade could spur movement. While there are many suitors, the Lakers are expected to be among that group, and the Miami Heat’s recent trade for Powell could take another team out of the mix. That could pave the way for Beal to land in LA with the Lakers.
“Some confirmed suitors for Beal include the LA Clippers — fresh off agreeing to trade Norman Powell to Miami in a three-team deal that will bring back Utah’s John Collins — as well as the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee and Minnesota. Miami was widely anticipated to be in that mix, but the Heat’s agreed-to acquisition of Powell would appear to rule them out of the Beal chase and would likewise appear to boost the Clippers’ chances of convincing Beal to join Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Co. by stepping into a clear backcourt void created by Powell’s departure.”
Jake Fischer on Bradley Beal/Los Angeles Lakers
Adding Beal would certainly bring more star power to a team that’s seemingly in search of their next big ticket. The one-time All-NBA selection would also provide more spacing for a Lakers team that has struggled to place the right pieces around LeBron James in recent years.
While Beal may no longer be viewed as the All-Star-level talent he once was, he’s still a proficient scorer who shot 38.6% from 3-point distance last season. That tier of accuracy can help any team, and the Lakers would certainly benefit from getting Beal on the roster at a reasonable rate.
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