Why Bradley Beal Rejected the Lakers Revealed: Insider

Three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, after agreeing to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns, was pursued by both the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, as well as the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors. Despite the Lakers holding "extensive conversations" with Beal and his representatives, he showed little interest in joining them. Reports suggest Beal likely felt he wasn't a good fit on the guard-heavy Lakers roster, featuring Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent alongside LeBron James, which would have limited his ball-handling opportunities.

Beal ultimately chose the Los Angeles Clippers. He is expected to take on the role of starting shooting guard alongside James Harden, forming a strong backcourt. NBA TV analyst Steve Smith praised the Clippers' offseason moves (including Brook Lopez, John Collins, and Beal) and believes Beal will be a seamless fit. Smith noted Beal might need to adjust his style to become more of a spot-up shooter playing off Harden and Kawhi Leonard, but emphasized that Beal is not just a catch-and-shoot player and will have freedom due to the Clippers' inside-outside threats like Ivica Zubac, Lopez, Collins, and Leonard drawing double teams.

Smith highlighted Beal's efficient shooting (49.7% FG and 38.6% 3PT in 2024-25, following 51.3% FG and 43% 3PT the prior year) as a "50-40-85 guy," which is considered a huge asset for the Clippers. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that James Harden played a pivotal role in recruiting Beal to the Clippers. Furthermore, the Clippers, having a busy offseason, are reportedly frontrunners to sign either Chris Paul or Malcolm Brogdon to further strengthen their backcourt, with strong interest specifically noted in Brogdon.