The much-anticipated first season of Bradley Beal with the Los Angeles Clippers has abruptly come to an end. The star guard has been diagnosed with a fracture in his hip and will undergo season-ending surgery, according to a report from NBA insider Shams Charania.
The injury, which began as left hip soreness after Beal took a charge in a recent game, was revealed to be a far more serious issue after multiple medical consultations. The fracture requires surgery, which will sideline the veteran for the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season.
“We met with numerous doctors and specialists around the country in collaboration with the entire Clippers medical staff over the last few days, and came to the decision unanimously that the surgery will allow Brad to have a full and complete recovery,” Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN in a statement.
The projected recovery timetable for the procedure is six-to-nine months, meaning Beal’s first year as a Clipper ends after just six games. He had averaged career-lows of 8.2 points and 1.7 rebounds while struggling to find his footing alongside the team’s other stars.
The loss is a massive blow to the Clippers, who acquired the three-time All-Star in the offseason to bolster their offensive firepower and push for a title in the Western Conference. His absence places increased pressure on the remaining core of the team to navigate a competitive season already marked by early struggles and other minor injuries.
The news closes the book on a difficult chapter for Beal in Los Angeles, but the reported unanimous decision by specialists suggests a focus on ensuring a healthy return next season.
