Bradley Beal 'Perfect Fit' With LeBron But Agent Denies Trade Request Rumors

Washington Wizards All-Star guard Bradley Beal would be a "perfect fit" alongside LeBron James, but would the Los Angeles Lakers make a trade package for him?

It was revealed earlier this month that the struggling Wizards were open to trade discussions over each of their players and that made the 25-year-old Beal a prime target for rumors and speculation.

The Charlotte Hornets have reportedly inquired about him, but it is the Lakers who are touted as a potential next destination. James and co. are 11-8 and it's certainly not been an easy ride for them since the season began last month.

And adding a player like Beal who currently averages 21.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists over 19 games this season would significantly improve them and their postseason chances.

"Beal would be a perfect fit next to LeBron," an Eastern Conference scout told Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. "He's a much better shooter than [Brandon] Ingram, and LeBron needs shooters."

The problem is the Lakers may have to give up Ingram, arguably their most talented prospect, if they are to trade for Beal. The Wizards star doesn't enter free agency until 2021 and is currently earning $25.4 million this season. Washington is also not going easy on their asking price.

"I think what they’re [Wizards] asking for Beal, from what I’ve heard, makes him functionally not available," ESPN's Zach Lowe reported. "But maybe. Maybe some team throws the Brinks truck or their price comes down."

That means Los Angeles may have to make a choice, assuming Washington are open to that particular trade -- Ingram's potential or Beal's current ability, being four years older than the former.

"All this assumes the Wizards would trade Beal for Ingram, the Lakers' prospect with the most upside," Pincus speculated. "Los Angeles would need to include significant salary to balance a deal, presumably with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Michael Beasley (neither can be traded until Dec. 15)."

"Ingram for Beal would be a difficult decision for the Lakers. If the Wizards also ask for Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and/or Josh Hart, [Magic] Johnson would certainly pass," he added.

Acquiring the Missouri native now would do wonders for the Lakers, but it certainly is a difficult decision if his arrival meant the departure of Ingram.

The 2016 No. 1 draft pick has made huge strides this season and unless he's included in a trade package for Anthony Davis, should be seen as a long-term fixture in the Lakers' line-up.

Given Beal's salary, having him on the books would also mean the Lakers lacking the cap space to sign a top free agent like Kevin Durant next summer. Whatever happens, it will certainly be interesting to see what the Lakers plan on doing.

Meanwhile, Beal's agent Mark Bartelstein has come out and denied rumors that his client wants out of Washington. NBA insider Chris Sheridan recently reported Beal "made it known in no uncertain terms" that he wanted a Wizards departure as soon as possible.

However, Bartelstein told Candace Buckner of the Washington Post the story was false soon after.

"That is absolutely not true," he said. "The only sources that would know Brad thinking’s are Brad and myself. And Brad’s focus is 100 percent on helping the Wizards play consistent, winning basketball.”

Beal would deny the rumors himself, following Washington's win over the Houston Rockets on Monday.

"That's nonsense," Beal said. "I heard it earlier before the game and I was like if it ain't come from the horse's mouth, it wasn't me. I got this Washington jersey on, I come out and work everyday until otherwise. This is where I want to be."

The Wizards have won two in a row but are still underachieving this season with a current 8-12 record.