Reports suggest that Bradley Beal’s buyout with the Phoenix Suns is only a matter of time. If that happens, the Los Angeles Lakers are among several teams reportedly ready to pursue him on the open market.
According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, five franchises — the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Bucks — have already shown “confirmed interest” in Beal should he become a free agent. The Clippers are considered a strong contender, but the Lakers are also in the mix despite limited financial flexibility.
Beal, 33, appeared in 53 games for the Suns last season, averaging 16.8 points per game when coming off the bench in 15 of those contests. Though his production dipped compared to his prime years, many around the league believe a change of scenery could help him regain form.
Phoenix plans to waive and stretch the remaining $96.9 million of his deal over five years, a move designed to lower their cap hit and regain flexibility in trades.
Beal’s contract, which includes a no-trade clause and a $57.1 million player option for 2026–27, has made trading him difficult. League executives have reportedly valued him closer to the mid-level exception, making a buyout the most realistic path forward.
Los Angeles could only offer Beal a starting salary of $5.1 million, per Lakers Daily, but for the Lakers, his scoring ability and playoff experience would be valuable additions at that price. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves already lead the Lakers’ backcourt, each posting over 20 points and five assists per game last season, but depth and bench scoring remain priorities.
Beal’s willingness to embrace a reserve role, as he occasionally did in Phoenix, could make him a more seamless fit in Los Angeles. His proven scoring touch and ability to create offense would strengthen the Lakers’ second unit, which struggled at times last season.
For the Suns, parting with Beal could ease salary cap pressure after a disappointing campaign, while giving the guard a chance to join a contender on more favorable terms. A buyout would allow Beal to choose his next destination without being tied to the terms of his current deal.
