Upon hearing that the Los Angeles Lakers are presumably among the teams that Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal would waive his no-trade clause for, there were undoubtedly thousands of hoops fans whose imaginations went into overdrive.
Now, Beal was just benched by a Suns team looking for a spark. However, he’s a multi-time All-Star who has sacrificed in order to play whatever role Phoenix asks of him. Last season, that was playing point guard, as the Suns all but refused to acquire one.
This season, he’s moved back to shooting guard thanks to the signings of Tyus Jones and Monte Morris. Nonetheless, he still shares the court with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, who are above him on the totem pole. Consequently, he’s still not in his comfort zone.
Lakers Should Steer Clear Of Bradley Beal Trade
The problem with the Lakers trading for the Beal is two-sided.
On the one hand, they would likely have to move Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura for Beal, who makes $50.2 million this season. In a vacuum, he’s a better defender than Reaves and more advanced scorer than Hachimura. Yet, their combined abilities exceeds what the 31-year-old brings to the table, especially when they’re at their best.
Reaves had long since demonstrated that he’s capable of taking over in the postseason, scoring 20 or more points in nine of his 21 playoff games. Over his last six contests, he’s averaging 23.8 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.
Austin Reaves, since Christmas & after the D’Angelo Russell trade, has been on a TEAR for the Los Angeles Lakers! 🔥🍿
In 5 games: 24.4 PPG, 10.6 APG, 8.0 RPG, 44 FG%, 38 3P%; LAL: 4-1 record
The 26 year old has been putting up some of the best numbers of his career as a… pic.twitter.com/kCZfyEW2IY
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) January 5, 2025
Hachimura hasn’t been as much of a standout as Reaves offensively, as he’s more or less LeBron James’s understudy.
I really liked that adjustment from Ham.
— Cathy (@Cathybeerpong) May 17, 2023
However, he’s been utilized as a defensive weapon, even in matchups against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic.
Desperate Times, Desperate Measures
With James essentially taking Hachimura and Reaves under his wings, there’s an intangible impact. While Beal may be respected, Reaves and Hachimura add to their chemistry, not just continuity. Then when considering the rumors of locker room tension in Phoenix, there’s a chance that a Beal trade could have a negative influence in Los Angeles.
If this was a situation in which James wanted to leave the Lakers, it might make sense to take that risk. Frankly, L.A. might have considered swapping Beal and James in the offseason when the latter was deciding whether to re-sign. However, as James has publicly confirmed his commitment to the Lakers, they don’t have to make a desperate trade.
Not yet, at least.
Final Buzzer Thoughts
The Lakers could use another backcourt scorer but a cheaper one. Utah Jazz guards Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, who they’ve been linked to in trade rumors, are among those options. Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon, a former Sixth Man of the Year, is as well.
