Lakers, Bradley Beal Report Surfaces After Buyout News
It appears Bradley Beal and the Phoenix Suns are on the outs. After the Suns acquired him from the Washington Wizards in 2023, they were swept in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs and then missed the playoffs altogether in 2025.
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Beal is not solely to blame for their failures, but he has played a role in how underwhelming they've been for the past two seasons. This past season, he averaged 17 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds while shooting almost 50% from the field and 38.6% from three.
Beal has two years left on his five-year, $251 million contract. He also has a no-trade clause, meaning he would have complete control over who his next team would be if he were traded.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That's not the route the Suns are going with Beal, as their plan is to get rid of him. After PHNX Sports' Gerald Bourguet reported that a buyout is imminent between the two sides, ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel reported who Beal's top suitors will be if and when he clears waivers. The Los Angeles Lakers were among them.
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"Beal held a full no-trade clause in his contract, and the Suns couldn't generate a market for him," Siegel wrote. "Upon the completion of the buyout, Beal will be an unrestricted free agent. Miami is Beal's top suitor. The Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Bucks will all hold interest."
If the Lakers were to add Beal, he would be part of a team already featuring LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, who are all highly skilled at scoring and playmaking.
Related: Lakers Fans Are Saying the Same Thing About Bronny James and Dalton Knecht
Related: LeBron James Reacts to Bronny James' Dunk in Lakers Summer League Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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