The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the biggest free agent destinations in the NBA, continue to prowl the free agency market for key talent that would help them in their quest to get back into playoff contention. The Lakers currently have 13 players under contract which means that there are two roster spots available before they get set for the coming season. The Lakers are currently looking in a handful of players and have invited them for a workout this week per Sam Amick of USA Today:
After missing out on LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony in July, the Lakers held a free agent workout Tuesday in Los Angeles. The workout included forward Michael Beasley; big men Dexter Pittman, Greg Stiemsma, and Daniel Orton; and guards Bobby Brown, Toney Douglas, Ben Hansbrough and Malcolm Lee, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.
For the 25 year old Beasley, this is the second time he has participated in a Lakers workout this offseason. The former No.2 pick in the draft has had an up and down career. He got buried in the Heat's bench last season especially in the playoffs where he played in only 4 out of the 20 playoff games.
The Miami Heat opted not to resign Beasley due to several issues including inconsistency, poor defense, and maturity/focus issues, according to Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. But Jackson also believes that the Heat might be making a mistake for giving the journey Man Shawne Williams guaranteed money over Beasley saying:
I would give Beasley another shot at the minimum; he ranked in the top 52 in points-per-48 minutes last season and the Heat might regret not having his offense this season if Dwyane Wade or Danny Granger is injured. Beasley would have interest in returning if the Heat calls.
Dan Feldman of ProBasketballTalk reveals that The Lakers are intrigued with Beasley and can offer him a minimum contract. Beasley was the No.2 pick just six years ago and would provide the team with "another player with name recognition". And if he suddenly works out surprisingly well, then the Lakers have everything to gain but nothing much to lose if he gets back to his inconsistent ways. Either way, signing Beasley for the minimum would make sense for the Lakers.
Join the Conversation