Why Bradley Beal is not the answer to the Los Angeles Lakers’ problems

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 29: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on January 29, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee, Why Bradley Beal is not the answer to the Los Angeles Lakers’ problems. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers were a mess last season. Between Russell Westbrook’s on-court fit, Anthony Davis’ injury, and their severe lack of depth, they just flat-out weren’t very good.

After being named one of the favorites to win it all once the season began, the Lakers’ problems quickly became evident, and in the end, they missed the postseason entirely.

Now, as they get ready to retool this offseason, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer has reported that they are interested in Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal, who is expected to opt out of his player option.

However, that would be an awful idea.

Why Bradley Beal is not the answer to the Los Angeles Lakers’ problems

First and foremost, they have no realistic way of acquiring him. They would have to match his salary in a trade, which would involve trading Westbrook, which Washington wouldn’t do, or Anthony Davis, who the Lakers wouldn’t trade.

But even past that, adding Beal to this core of players doesn’t seem like the smartest move. Would he improve their offense? Sure. But that’s not their primary issue.

When the Lakers won the title in 2020, they did so on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, they were an average offensive team that year, but their defense was so good that it didn’t matter.

However, they then decided to trade away most of the core players that made their defense (and their depth) so good. They dealt Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, and Montrezl Harrell to the Wizards and let Alex Caruso walk in free agency,

Los Angeles needs to learn that Bis 3s are no longer the pathway to success. Just look at the teams who made it far this year. They all had stars, but they also had a ton of quality depth.

Trading for Beal would make the Lakers a better team, but it would not put them over the hump. Instead, they need to focus on adding quality, defensive-minded depth this summer.