Three-time All-Star Bradley Beal was reportedly pursued by both the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers after he agreed to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns, but he chose the Clippers for a specific reason.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Lakers brass had “extensive conversations” with Beal and his representatives, but the star guard was not sold on representing the Purple & Gold. The insider added that the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors were also in the running for Beal.
It’s reasonable to assume that Beal didn’t see himself as a good fit for the Lakers, a team with a guard-heavy rotation featuring Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent, alongside LeBron James, who effectively plays point guard from one of the forward positions. Therefore, Beal would likely have had limited ball-handling responsibilities in Los Angeles.
How Bradley Beal Fits With Clippers
The veteran guard is set to take on the role of starting shooting guard alongside James Harden, creating a strong backcourt for the Clippers.
NBA TV’s Steve Smith expects Beal and the Clippers to be a seamless fit.
“Bravo to the Clippers for their impressive moves this summer—adding Brook Lopez, John Collins, and now Bradley Beal,” he said. “They have depth at every position. I believe Bradley Beal would be a great fit for this team. He might need to adjust his playing style a bit, transitioning into more of a spot-up shooter and playing off of James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.”
“If Beal can stay healthy, this is a perfect place for him,” Smith said of Beal.
Smith pointed out that the Clippers have a unique advantage over most teams: the ability to play an inside-outside game. With players like Ivica Zubac, Brook Lopez, and John Collins, who are all skilled low-post scorers, the Clippers can create a variety of challenges for their opponents.
“Zubac and Kawhi can draw double teams, and because of so many different guys on the floor, Beal will have freedom,” he said. “He’s not just a catch-and-shoot guy.”
The Clippers are not Done
While Beal’s run in Phoenix didn’t produce great results, the veteran guard shot the ball very efficiently. In the 2024-25 season, he shot 49.7% from the floor and 38.6% from three, a year after shooting 51.3% from the floor and 43% from three.
“He’s a 50-40-85 guy. That’s huge for the Clippers,” Smith said of Beal.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Harden played a pivotal role in recruiting Beal to the Clippers.
The Clippers have had one of the busiest offseasons, but they’re not done. According to Siegel, they are frontrunners to sign either Chris Paul or Malcolm Brogdon to shore up their backcourt further.
“In addition to Chris Paul, who is expected to sign with LA, the Clippers also have strong interest in Malcolm Brogdon, sources told @ClutchPoints. Brogdon has been linked to LA for years,” he reported via X.
With Beal turning down the Lakers, the team is now expected to pivot to De’Anthony Melton or Gary Payton II to shore up their perimeter defense, per several insiders.
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