The one position that seems to be concern for the Los Angeles Lakers moving forward is small forward. The team re-signed Xavier Henry, Nick Young and Wesley Johnson, but it seems like there are a lot questions surrounding who’d start at the three spot out of that group.
— Lakers Nation BLOWOUT SALE! Shirts Start At $12.50 + Free Shipping! Use Code: REDEMPTION —
With that being said, the team still being on the prowl for another small forward makes sense and it appears the Lakers are kicking the tires on the possibility of signing Michael Beasley, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
The Lakers worked out free agent forward Michael Beasley in El Segundo on Wednesday, per multiple league sources
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 30, 2014
To add to @mcten's tweet: I'm also told Beasley took "contact drills well" & "shot well once he found his rhythm" in private Lakers workout
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) July 30, 2014
Over the past few years, Beasley has bounced around the league unable to find a home. Beasley has played for three different teams in the six years of his NBA career. The Miami Heat drafted Beasley back in 2008, but he only stayed in South Beach for two seasons before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for multiple draft picks.
After a career year during the 2011-12 NBA season in Minnesota, Beasley seemed to be on his way to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the league. The former second overall pick out of Kansas State averaged a 19.2 points per game that season, but then suffered a severe decline the following year putting up only 11.5 points per game.
— Think You’re The Biggest Lakers Fan? Take The Ultimate Fan Quiz! —
Beasley’s numbers have been on the decline ever since his breakout year in 2011 and as a result he remains unemployed in late July.
As for the Lakers, the team would likely only offer the veteran’s minimum to Beasley. Although not an ideal contract for a 25-year-old former lottery pick, Beasley has limited options and might be willing to sign for one year to prove his worth to the rest of the league.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Lakers Introduce Byron Scott (Part 4): One Promise To Lakers Fans