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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Marvi

Bayless: Fifth NBA title for LeBron James looking dimmer after Beal trade

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.

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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.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, this trade, depending on how it is finalized, could take the Lakers out of the running for Paul.

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.

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.

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