The Los Angeles Lakers have revamped their frontcourt this offseason, adding a much-needed starting-caliber big man. According to Fox Sports’ Jason McIntyre, a follow-up move for a high-profile shooting guard could push the LeBron James and Luka Dončić-led roster over the top. However, NBA fans aren’t nearly as bullish about the potential addition.
LA’s offseason has consisted of signing 2018 No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton to fill its extensively covered center void, as well as versatile forward Jake LaRavia in free agency. While the team lost two-way veteran Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets, the franchise’s roster is arguably more balanced on paper despite lingering defensive concerns.
Nevertheless, McIntyre views doubling down on offensive contributors as the Lakers’ best bet to build on their 50-win season and assert their dominance in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
NBA Fans Fire Back at Jason McIntyre’s Bold Bradley Beal-to-Lakers Take
On Monday’s edition of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” McIntyre touched on the possibility of LA signing veteran shooting guard Bradley Beal, should the Phoenix Suns buy him out.
According to the analyst, Beal would elevate the Lakers to the forefront of the West next season despite the three-time All-Star’s much-maligned two-year stint with Phoenix.
“If the Lakers get Bradley Beal, they’re the favorites in the West,” McIntyre said.
This bonehead says the Lakers are the favorite in the West if they get Bradley Beal
like wtf pic.twitter.com/0jFBhHkXAU
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 14, 2025
McIntyre’s guest panelist, Chris Broussard, promptly dismissed the notion, with their interaction going viral on X.
“Oh, no. Stop that. Stop that,” Broussard replied.
NBA fans overwhelmingly sided with Broussard, with many highlighting Beal’s subpar defense and perceived questionable competitive drive.
“Because they added another defensive liability to their roster?” one fan asked.
Because they added another defensive liability to their roster?😂
— GOAT_SGA (@Cwesi510261) July 14, 2025
“The Lakers are going to build a dynasty by signing washed and disinterested players, apparently,” another said.
The Lakers are going to build a dynasty by signing washed and disinterested players, apparently.
— Gosh Shammgosh (@TheOzarkansan) July 15, 2025
Meanwhile, others called attention to LA’s immense competition in the West, headlined by the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
“Bradley Beal don’t change the math. Lakers still gotta go through Denver, OKC, and Minnesota pressure. This ain’t 2020,” one fan wrote.
Bradley Beal don’t change the math.
Lakers still gotta go through Denver, OKC, and Minnesota pressure.
This ain’t 2020💯— WALITO-NY (@WalitoWorldwide) July 15, 2025
Moreover, several fans went as far as to question McIntyre’s credibility as an NBA analyst.
“Jason McIntyre knows the least about the NBA of everyone covering the sport on TV and it’s like not even close. Beginning to wonder if he even watches games,” one user remarked.
Jason McIntyre knows the least about the NBA of everyone covering the sport on TV and it’s like not even close. Beginning to wonder if he even watches games.
— TheyNotLikeOus (@Kbellinger12) July 15, 2025
“I don’t know why he’s on TV still. If Bradley Beal really made a team a favorite by joining them, it would’ve happened for the suns, and it made them SIGNIFICANTLY worse. I hate these mfs man,” another commented.
I don’t know why he’s on TV still. If Bradley Beal really made a team a favorite by joining them, it would’ve happened for the suns, and it made them SIGNIFICANTLY worse. I hate these mfs man
— A Different Conversation (@BuiltDifferentP) July 14, 2025
“Fox canceled the wrong shows,” one more chimed in.
Fox canceled the wrong shows.
— Juanjava Cromer (@CJuanjava) July 15, 2025
According to The Athletic’s Fred Katz’s July 7 report, “the Suns and Beal are increasingly optimistic that the two sides will agree to terms on a buyout.” The league insider added that “the list of teams Beal has thought about includes the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, LA Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks.”
The Clippers are reportedly the frontrunners to land the oft-injured, ball-dominant 32-year-old if he hits the open market. Regardless, Beal’s fit in a Lakers backcourt that features Dončić and Austin Reaves, two defensively challenged guards, would likely be shaky at best.
