The Los Angeles Lakers thankfully did not land Bradley Beal, as the three-time All-Star will reportedly sign with the Clippers after his buyout from the Suns. Getting him on a discount sounds great until fans realize how bad Beal had been in Phoenix. This season, the Suns were outscored by 7.7 points per 100 possessions with Beal on the floor. Phoenix outscored the opponent by 1.0 per 100 with him on the bench.
Ultimately, the Clippers won the bidding because they had more money to offer. Beal got a two-year deal worth $11 million. The Lakers couldn’t match after using their mid-level exception to sign Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia in free agency. Beal will play for the crosstown rival, but Lakers fans shouldn’t be sweating that reality.
Beal joining the Lakers would have been a repeat of his time in Phoenix. The three-time All-Star missed the postseason entirely in 2025 and won zero playoff games in his two years with the Suns. They were all offense with no lockdown defender. LA’s roster would have been in a similar position, despite Beal’s name recognition.
Lakers dodged a bullet as Bradley Beal signs with the Clippers
Los Angeles needs perimeter defensive help and may waive Shake Milton to try to add a free agent. They have Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves to run their offense and get buckets. The Lakers have zero issues scoring, but can’t get enough stops to seriously contend.
Beal scored 17 points per game on 49.7 percent shooting from the field and 38.6 percent on his 3-point attempts last season. He was still a negative contributor because his defense was atrocious. That is the last thing this version of the Lakers needed. Head coach JJ Redick is already trying to find somewhere to hide Doncic and Reaves on defense. He can’t be worrying about Beal, too.
The three-time All-Star could be a difference-maker for the Clippers. They desperately needed some offensive punch. LA has built an elite defense around Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Getting Beal to finish plays improves their title chances, but health and consistency are massive questions that could derail their season. LA is all-in on a risky build, and Beal only adds to that boom-or-bust potential.
The last thing the Lakers needed was Bradley Beal. He is a bucket-getter, playmaker, and efficient scorer, but would be redundant playing in purple and gold. The franchise doesn’t want to take the ball out of Luka, LeBron, or Austin’s hands to give it to Beal.
The Los Angeles Lakers found a center to plug that hole. They must upgrade their perimeter defense to get a stew going. It could be via trade or free agency. The Lakers need someone capable of guarding the primary ball-handler on a nightly basis. They have the offense. It is all about finding the defense.
Credit to Rob Pelinka. He resisted going after Bradley Beal and adding another star. It was a wise move that the Lakers must build on to be in serious contention.