Author: Monojit Mandal
The NBA summer is in full swing, and prominent players are once again being linked to the Los Angeles Lakers. Although the team expressed its preference for consistency last season, history has shown that anything is possible for this historic franchise.
Brian Windhorst, of ESPN NBA Insider, has provoked conjecture by claiming that a top player could be being transferred this summer at a very low trade value. Windhorst singled out Bradley Beal, whose name has long been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers. The acquisition of Beal would give Los Angeles a much-needed third star, and his skill set fits the team’s requirements perfectly.
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Beal’s three-point shooting talent, ability to create his own shot and underrated passing skills make him an excellent combination with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. In addition, Beal’s presence could allow James to play off the ball more regularly, which he has shown he wants to do in the past.
However, Beal’s large contract is the biggest impediment to a possible deal. The Washington Wizards point guard has just signed a four-year supermax contract with the team. His compensation for the current season is $46.7 million, rising to $50 million the following year, $53 million in 2025 and a $57 million player option in 2026.
Some league insiders believe that Beal’s contract is one of the most onerous in the league, prompting the Lakers to carefully evaluate the possible repercussions before moving forward with any deal. On the other hand, obtaining a star of Beal’s caliber would considerably increase the Lakers’ prospects of winning in their current window, especially if they can do so for a reasonable price.
Although the chances of Beal wearing the Lakers jersey are slim, the Los Angeles team is expected to investigate the option before finalizing its plans for the offseason. The lure of acquiring a player of Beal’s caliber for their roster would almost certainly lead the Lakers to analyze possible options to obtain his services at a lower cost.