Bradley Beal Reportedly Wasn't Interested in Lakers amid Projected 6th-Man Role
Before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, veteran shooting guard Bradley Beal reportedly was pursued by the other Hollywood team.
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported that the Los Angeles Lakers held "extensive conversations with [Beal] and his representation," but he "did not hold interest in joining" the Purple & Gold for a key reason.
"Unlike his role in the starting lineup with the Clippers next to James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the Lakers wanted him to be their sixth man behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves," Siegel stated.
Beal is hoping to bounce back from a disappointing two years with the Phoenix Suns. He played in 53 games in each of the last two seasons and averaged under 20 points in back-to-back years for the first time since his third and fourth seasons in the NBA. His average of 17.0 points in 2024-25 was his lowest since the 2014-15 campaign.
The Clippers appear to be positioning themselves to be among the top title contenders in the West next season. In addition to signing Beal, the team also acquired veteran forward John Collins, signed veteran center Brook Lopez and reunited with veteran point guard Chris Paul.
The Lakers have also made some key additions, such as center Deandre Ayton, veteran guard Marcus Smart and forward Jake LaRavia. Still, Beal will have more of an opportunity for a resurgent year with the Clippers in 2025-26.
