2. Bradley Beal
Laker fans really seem to love Bradley Beal. Every offseason and every NBA trade deadline I see Laker fans clamoring over the idea of the team adding Bradley Beal, even if it is pretty much impossible to pull off. The same can be said this offseason.
There is little to no chance that Beal is a Laker next season but there is the possibility of him being a free-agent target two years from now. This situation entails that LeBron opts into the last year of his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers and then the Lakers pursue a star in the 2022 summer with the newfound cap space.
LeBron James will be an unrestricted free agent and regardless of his performance the year prior, he will be the headliner. Even if he is no longer the best player in the league, the star of LeBron will dictate the entire offseason.
While the Lakers would have to make a decision with the biggest name in free agency they could also pursue another star.
Beal has a player option for the 2022-23 season and while he would be set to make $37.2 million, I think it is pretty safe to say that he will opt-out. He is going to make close to that in free agency, will get more than one year as a free agent and will get a chance to get away from the Wizards.
LeBron could take a pay cut and stay in LA or he could go elsewhere. Beal will only be 29, so he would be a good option for the future.