'Wanted Him to be Their Sixth Man' – Los Angeles Lakers Ruled Out of Bradley Beal Sweepstakes Due to Potential Role

The Lakers also wanted Beal, but didn’t offer him a starting role. Siegel reported that Los Angeles wanted him to come off the bench for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

“Beal did not hold interest in joining the Lakers despite the team holding extensive conversations with him and his representation, sources said. Unlike his role in the starting lineup with the Clippers next to James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the Lakers wanted him to be their sixth man behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.”

Due to this, Bealk opted to ignore the Los Angeles Lakers and join their rival team on a two-year, $11 million contract.

New Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart ‘excited’ to play with LeBron James

One of the key acquisitions for the Los Angeles Lakers is Marcus Smart. The defensive guard could potentially improve the team’s perimeter defense and help the team execute its offense.

Ahead of the 2025-26 season, Smart expressed his excitement with sharing the floor with future Hall of Fame player, LeBron James.

“I mean, it’s not every day you get to play against, let alone with, one of the greatest players to ever play this game. We all know his IQ in this game is ridiculous, and playing against him, you see it,” Smart said.

“To be able to see it on the other side, to witness it and benefit from it, instead of him taking me out with it on the defensive end. Just to be able to soak it all in like a sponge is an opportunity that I’m blessed to be able to have.”