ESPN insider Brian Windhorst says the Los Angeles Lakers should target Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal via trade if they strike out in free agency this summer.

The Lakers have cap space this offseason to sign a max contract player. However, the franchise isn't favored to sign Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, or Kyrie Irving.

Windhorst believes the Lakers should pivot to a Beal trade with the Wizards if they can't get Leonard, KD or Irving:

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Beal is one of the best guards in the league and would fit well next to Lakers star LeBron James. The two-time All-Star averaged 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists this season while shooting 47.5 percent from the field, 35.1 percent beyond the arc, and 80.8 percent from the free-throw line.

When James collapses the paint on his drives to the basket, Beal would be wide open beyond the 3-point line. Plus, defenses can't help off Beal since he's an elite shooter. That would create more driving lanes for LeBron.

Beal will make $27,093,019 next season. The Lakers have to get another All-Star next to James if they want to make the playoffs in 2020. LeBron will turn 35 in December. The Purple and Gold already wasted a year of having The King. They can't afford to waste another.