LA Lakers Trade Rumors: Bradley Beal swap for Russell Westbrook plus picks suggested by analyst

The Athletic’s Josh Robbins has suggested a trade between the Washington Wizards and the LA Lakers, which could reignite the latter’s season.

The LA Lakers are currently 13th in the Western Conference and run the risk of not making it to the Play-in tournament. Anthony Davis and more recently, LeBron James have both had injury struggles, while Russell Westbrook has also failed to slot alongside the 2 All-Stars in the starting lineup.

Of course, the Washington Wizards were eager to re-sign Bradley Beal on maximum salary, which is just one stumbling block. Robbins believes the Lakers will have to include their first-round 2027 and 2029 picks, which they will only be able to trade in 2027, and 2029, respectively.

This is down to prior trade obligations. Still, Lakers beat writer Jovan Buha believes the franchise will jump at such a trade:

“The Lakers would jump at the opportunity to acquire Beal for the price of Westbrook and two unprotected picks. Beal is the perfect type of third star to slot next to James and Davis — a player who can play on or off the ball, space the floor and ease the playmaking and scoring burden on James.”

Can LA Lakers be title contenders with Bradley Beal?

Bradley Beal, in his 11th season with the Washington Wizards, has been averaging 22 points, 5.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. He is capable of playing alongside ball handlers and can provide a lot of value both offensively and defensively to the LA Lakers.

The player has been forced to play in a team where he has regularly had to take up the bulk of offensive scoring. However, this will not be true at the LA Lakers, where a fit and firing Anthony Davis and LeBron James can still be the major ball handlers despite Beal’s presence. The trade would give the team a true big 3 with all three players starting when fit.

While competing for the title is something that is secondary, the current aim must be to qualify for the postseason.

Bradley Beal is a player who can help the LA Lakers. However, it will be interesting to see whether the Washington Wizards will agree to trade, considering the lack of assets for the LA Lakers.