Bradley Beal In Latest Trade Rumors, Lakers Speculated As Landing Spot For Wizards' Guard

There is a sense around the NBA that the Washington Wizards are willing to listen to trade scenarios involving John Wall and Bradley Beal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The news has sparked speculation regarding possible landing spots for the star guards.

Finding someone to take Wall could be difficult for Washington. While the point guard has been regarded as the better player since he became teammates with Beal in 2012, few teams will want to take on Wall’s contract. After the 2018-2019 NBA season, the 28-year-old is set to make an average of $42.3 million over the next four years.

Beal, 25, is three years younger with a much more manageable deal. While the top NBA players will make well over $40 million per season in the coming years, Beal has an average salary of $27 million through the 2020-2021 season.

Several teams will likely try to acquire Beal if he actually is available. Don’t be surprised if the Los Angeles Lakers enter the discussion. Until L.A. gets another All-Star to play alongside LeBron James, the Lakers will be viewed as a possible destination whenever there’s even a chance that a star player could be dealt.

The Lakers are led by the world’s best basketball player, but they don’t yet have the talent around him to compete for a championship. Los Angeles does have the assets to potentially trade for the type of player that will make L.A. a contender.

Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball still have plenty of trade value after being drafted second overall in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Kyle Kuzma was a 2018 All-Rookie First Team selection and currently ranks second on the Lakers in scoring. Second-year player Josh Hart is another asset that could be included in a deal for an impactful veteran.

L.A. refused to give up a bunch of their assets for Kawhi Leonard in the summer, though San Antonio’s asking price was reportedly very high. Maybe the Lakers would consider trading a few of their young players for Beal, who is signed for two more years beyond this season.

Acquiring Beal would likely eliminate the Lakers from their pursuit of a max free agent in the summer of 2019. Los Angeles could still be more than $20 million below the salary cap.

Beal made his first All-Star team last season, averaging 22.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. As a career 39 percent three-point shooter, he is an ideal candidate to play with James. The shooting guard is averaging 21.5 points per game and shooting a career-low 33.9 percent from three-point range this season.

The Lakers are up to 11th in three-point percentage and 15th in threes made per game after struggling from behind the arc to start the year.

Washington is 5-11 and 2.5 games out of the early Eastern Conference playoff race. With a 9-7 record, Los Angeles is only two games behind the No.1 seed in a tough Western Conference.