'They’re the Favorites' – Los Angeles Lakers Could Be Favored If They Acquire a Suns Star

On Monday, NBA analyst Jason McIntyre talked about how the Lakers could improve their roster by adding Beal. McIntyre went on to say that if Phoenix buys him out, Los Angeles might be the Western Conference’s overwhelming favorite to sign him.

“If the Lakers get Bradley Beal, they’re the favorites in the West,” the sports analyst said.

However, his co-host Chris Broussard disagreed with his take.

McIntyre is also one of the few media members who praised the Los Angeles Lakers for signing Ayton. Last week, he said that the former No. 1 pick belongs in the same class as three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

“The Lakers made a big splash here in the last week, picking up Deandre Ayton,” McIntyre said. “I know a lot of people instantly poo-pooed this deal as out… “[Nikola] Jokic is an MVP, Giannis [Antetokounmpo] is an MVP, AD’s (Anthony Davis) All-NBA, Joel Embiid has an MVP. These are all great players. Deandre Ayton’s in that class with them.”

The Los Angeles Lakers have “interest” in Bradley Beal

During his time with the Suns, Beal has struggled to be an All-Star performer. However, he’s still capable of making significant contributions on the floor. According to NBA sources Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in him if Phoenix buys him out.

“The [Los Angeles] Clippers, Lakers, [Golden State] Warriors, [Minnesota] Timberwolves and, yes, Giannis [Antetokounmpo]’s [Milwaukee] Bucks are teams with a confirmed interest in signing Beal once he reaches the open market,” Stein and Fischer wrote.

The Los Angeles Lakers could still have a reliable scorer in Beal. During his time in Phoenix, he averaged 17.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists in two seasons.