The Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest in Bradley Beal, but all signs now point to their Inglewood rivals, the Clippers, as the frontrunners to land the three-time All-Star.
Beal is reportedly finalizing a waive-and-stretch buyout with the Phoenix Suns, agreeing to return approximately $13.8 million of the $110.8 million remaining on his contract to facilitate an exit. Once the deal is complete, Beal will hit free agency with eyes on joining a contender — and the Clippers have quickly moved into pole position.
Los Angeles Lakers Likely to Miss Out as Clippers Emerge as Bradley Beal’s Top Destination
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The Lakers were long rumored to be in the mix for Beal, but internal questions about fit and roster balance may have slowed their pursuit. According to team insider Jovan Buha, LA is hesitant to add another score-first guard to a lineup that already includes LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell. Concerns about Beal’s defense, injury history, and potential bench role have also made the Lakers cautious about committing their limited resources.
Meanwhile, the Clippers made a bold move by trading Norman Powell to the Miami Heat — a clear signal they’re clearing both minutes and cap space for a new backcourt addition. League sources view the Powell deal as a strategic precursor to a Beal signing. LA can offer Beal a key rotation role alongside James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, and potentially a starting spot at shooting guard.
Beal’s numbers in Phoenix, while overshadowed by injuries and a poor team fit, remained impressive: 17.6 points per game on 50.5% shooting from the field and 40.7% from three. With Leonard’s minutes managed and Harden functioning as a facilitator, Beal could step into a scoring role without the pressure of being the primary option — a dynamic that simply doesn’t exist in the Laker’s more crowded rotation.
The Lakers may still have a shot, but the momentum is unmistakable. Unless something shifts dramatically, it looks like Beal is heading to Inglewood — not downtown LA — and the Lakers may watch another impact free agent land across the hall.