Key Takeaways:
– The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in bringing on Bradley Beal from the Phoenix Suns.
– Despite having a no-trade clause in his contract, Beal’s record as a top scorer could benefit the Lakers significantly.
– An unnamed Eastern Conference Exec refers to Beal’s contract as ‘Toxic Debt.’
– Beal’s performances and scoring efficiency have been variable but overall impressive.
– If the Lakers succeed, they could potentially add one of the NBA’s leading scorers to their roster.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a third superstar to team up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis is attracting attention throughout the NBA offseason. Surprisingly, Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns has emerged as a potential candidate for the Lakers, with one sports analyst calling the Lakers one of the “three best new fits” for Beal.
Beal’s Potential Role in The Lakers Team
Greg Swartz from Bleacher Report believes that Beal, who scored an average of 31.3 points during the 2020-21 season, can help lighten the load for LeBron James. Despite being a crucial component of a Western Conference adversary, Beal could indeed flourish if given more shot opportunities.
As Swartz noted, “Beal would thrive in a new situation where he gets more shot opportunities and can play alongside a pass-first floor general. The Los Angeles Lakers could use Beal’s scoring to help take pressure off LeBron James.”
The No-Trade Clause Challenge
Beal’s incorporation into the Lakers’ lineup might hit a roadblock due to his contractual no-trade clause. This clause provides Beal with the power to reject any trade he’s involved in. Furthermore, his hefty five-year, $251 million contract, with a cap hit of $50.2 million in the 2024-25 season, might prove to be a limiting factor for some teams.
Beal’s Impact on the Suns and Learnings for the Lakers
According to an Eastern Conference executive, Beal’s contract, dubbed as ‘Toxic Debt,’ has impacted the Suns’ flexibility in bringing in quality role players. The exec stressed the necessity for the Suns “to move” Beal’s contract.
The Lakers should definitely ruminate over these points, as Beal’s first season with the Suns was not as successful as projected. Nevertheless, should the Lakers achieve a deal, they would gain an NBA top scorer.
Beal’s Performance Parameters
Bradley Beal’s 2020-21 season saw the lowest scoring average since 2015-16, with points per game dipping to 18.2. However, this did represent his most efficient shooting season so far, with impressive statistics all round.
Compared to when he averaged 31.3 in the previous season, Beal’s number of shots per game dropped significantly, with a shooting percentage of 51.3% from the field and 43% from a three-point range.
These numbers highlight Beal’s potential scoring prowess. If he can up his game to mirror his erstwhile performances with the Washington Wizards, he could robustly contribute to the Lakers’ scoring, possibly in the 25-plus points range per night.
Undeniably, the Lakers would be immensely boosting their roster should they manage to onboard the version of Bradley Beal from his best days with the Washington Wizards.