Although they were swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals, the Los Angeles Lakers appeared to have plenty to be optimistic about heading into this offseason.
There are rumors they may reload in a major way by obtaining a major piece such as Chris Paul or Kyrie Irving.
However, Paul is involved in a major trade agreed to on Sunday. According to reports, the Phoenix Suns are sending Paul, Landry Shamet and draft compensation to the Washington Wizards for three-time All-Star guard Bradley Beal.
The trade could instantly take the Suns from potential championship contenders to co-favorites in the West along with the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets.
BREAKING: The Washington Wizards are finalizing a trade to send All-Star G Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns, sources tell ESPN. Beal’s waiving his no-trade to form a new Big 3 with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Teams are still working thru framework, but Beal is headed to Suns. pic.twitter.com/0lQrSh370q
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2023
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, this trade, depending on how it is finalized, could take the Lakers out of the running for Paul.
Part of the reason for holding up full completion on the Wizards-Suns trade will be to allow Washington to field offers from third teams that would give Chris Paul a chance to land with a contender, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2023
Commentator Skip Bayless, an alleged critic of LeBron James, tweeted that as a result of the trade, the four-time MVP’s chances of winning another world title are looking dimmer and dimmer.
Now a 5th championship for LeBron James is looking dimmer and dimmer. Now he's looking up at Denver, at KD/Book/Beal, even at Kawhi who will be much better after getting his knee cleaned out.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 18, 2023
It is premature to prognosticate just how much of a chance James and the Lakers will have at another Larry O’Brien trophy next year until all personnel moves by all teams are final this offseason.
