Lakers expected to lose top free agent target to bitter rival

The Los Angeles Lakers have benefited from favorable free agency outcomes, including acquiring DeAndre Ayton at an advantageous price, and are now aiming to build a championship roster around LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Ricky O'Donnell of SBNation has published his predictions for the 2025 NBA free agency market, forecasting that the Lakers will lose out on a major target, Bradley Beal.

O'Donnell specifically predicts that Bradley Beal will sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $6 million contract, driven by the Clippers' backcourt needs following a trade involving Norman Powell, Beal's anticipated buyout from the Phoenix Suns, and the appeal of playing alongside James Harden in a strong defensive system for career revival.

This outcome would represent a setback for the Lakers, as landing Beal would have solidified their offseason success; although his loss might not derail their plans, being outbid by the crosstown rival Clippers adds an extra sting to the disappointment.