Pros and cons of proposed Lakers trade for Bradley Beal

What would a Lakers trade for Beal look like?

For almost every trade that the Lakers would consider involving Russell Westbrook, the team acquiring Westbrook would need to send multiple players back to Los Angeles to make the deal work out. The money is close enough that the deal would be legal with just Westbrook and Beal involved.

That being said, the Wizards are right up against the luxury tax, so they would need to offload money in this deal. Bradley Beal for Westbrook straight up would push the Wiz into the tax, so instead we’ll expand it out and have the Lakers take on the extra salary. That move could make this deal palatable without the second first being involved.

Odds are strong that the Wizards are delusional about both their chances this season and how Beal’s contract will age, but if they do take a rational approach and are open to this deal, it could free them financially and allow them flexibility in building around Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma. Assuming so, would it work for the Lakers?

Pros of a Lakers trade for Beal

Bradley Beal is an incredible three-level scorer with a buttery-smooth jumper and solid finishing and foul-drawing inside. He has struggled with injuries, but when on the court he is capable or scoring 30 points on a regular basis. He would immediately diversify the Lakers’ offense and open up the court for James and Davis inside.

While his scoring may overstate his overall impact, the simple fact is that he is a three-time All-Star and one-time All-NBA selection who finished second in the league in scoring in back-to-back seasons in 2019-20 and 2020-21. At age 29 his prime should extend long enough for him to be at a high level for however long LeBron has left.