Los Angeles Lakers: Three trade targets not named Kawhi Leonard

Bradley Beal, SG, Washington Wizards

Two years ago the Washington Wizards were hard-pressed in re-signing Bradley Beal. Alongside John Wall, the Wizards had a promising young backcourt that could hopefully lead the team to the NBA Finals in the weak Eastern Conference.

Thus, the Wizards signed Beal to a five-year, $127 million contract. Beal has three more years under contract, with no options, and is owed just over $81 million.

Now, that same promise that was around two years ago is no longer present and the $81 million remaining over the next three seasons should be giving the Wizards’ cold feet. Beal and Wall seemingly don’t get along and the Wizards simply do not have the depth to be true title contenders.

However, Beal could be a nice acquisition for the Los Angeles Lakers. Beal alone is not enough of a star to make the Lakers true contenders, but he could be that established piece that helps bring in other stars.

Washington may be desperate to break up the toxic relationship of Beal and Wall. Again, this is speculation, but if that is the case Washington may be willing to part ways with Beal’s large contract for Josh Hart, Luol Deng and a first-round pick.

We saw how quickly the Clippers wanted to get rid of Blake Griffin’s contract. Washington would have the perfect suitor in LA and the Lakers would have a foundation to bring in more stars.