Lakers Rumors: Why Bradley Beal Turned Down the Lakers in Favor of the Clippers

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by Lou Reyes

Former Suns guard Bradley Beal. Photo: Fox Sports.

Despite engaging in detailed discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bradley Beal ultimately chose to join the LA Clippers — and now, there’s insight into why.

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Beal wasn’t keen on the role the Lakers envisioned for him. While the team showed serious interest and held multiple talks with Beal and his camp, the fit just wasn’t right from his perspective.

Sources told Siegel that the Lakers intended to bring Beal off the bench behind Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. In contrast, the Clippers offered a starting role alongside James Harden and Kawhi Leonard — an opportunity Beal wasn’t willing to pass up.

Instead of wearing purple and gold, the three-time All-Star inked a two-year, $11 million deal with the Clippers. He’s now expected to start in a lineup that includes Harden, Leonard, John Collins, and Ivica Zubac. Harden reportedly played a big part in convincing Beal to come aboard. The Clippers also strengthened their roster by acquiring veteran point guard Chris Paul this offseason.

Meanwhile, the Lakers will open the 2025–26 season with a starting five of Dončić, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and newly added Deandre Ayton.

Photo: Getty Images.

Beal suited up for 53 games with the Phoenix Suns last season, averaging 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He shot an efficient 49.7% from the field, 38.6% from deep, and 80.3% from the line. Although he’s been an elite scorer throughout his career — averaging 21.5 points over stints with the Wizards and Suns — playoff success has eluded him so far, never advancing past the second round.

Both the Clippers and Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 playoffs. The Clippers pushed the defending champion Denver Nuggets to seven games, while the Lakers were ousted in five by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

While the Lakers carry the weight of 17 championship banners — just behind the Celtics' 18 — the Clippers are still in search of their first trip to the NBA Finals. With Beal now wearing Clippers red and blue, fans can expect plenty of drama whenever these crosstown rivals clash this coming season.