NBA Trade Rumors: L.A. Lakers Give Miami Heat's Michael Beasley Another Chance

By Don Pittman
Michael Beasley
Michael Beasley may still have his best NBA years ahead of him. AP

Michael Beasley got a second workout with the Los Angeles Lakers, and they seem intrigued in the former Heat player.

Everybody knows the Lakers missed out on the big fish in this year's free agency pond, but it appears they still have a line or two in the water.  On Tuesday, they worked out Beasley, and 7 other NBA free agents who are looking for a roster spot and a paycheck.  

Basketball Insider Alex Kennedy broke the news.

Beasley was the second overall pick just six years ago, but he has never reached his potential.  He has had some off the court issues that have cost him jobs, like the marijuana issue that got him the boot in Phoenix back in 2013, and he never did that great when he returned to Miami last year.  He only saw playing time on 4 of the Heat's 20 playoff appearances.

The workout also included big men Dexter Pittman, Greg Stiemsma, and Daniel Orton; and guards Bobby Brown, Toney Douglas, Ben Hansbrough and Malcolm Lee, according to USA Today.  

Beasley is 25, and is still a very gifted athlete in a 6'10' body.   Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak has made it known that he thinks this year's Laker team will make the playoffs in the western conference, but many around the league scoff at that notion.  It's hard to see how Beasley may help that situation, especially considering the Lakers depth at the Forward position, but Kupchak and new coach Byron Scott must see promise to give Beasley another workout.   

According to the Miami Herald's Sports Buzz, A person with direct knowledge cited several reasons for the Heat's lack of interest in Beasley - Inconsistency, lack of trust in his defense (and ability to execute the Heat's defensive system), and maturity/focus issues, which are still a concern even though he improved somewhat in that regard last season.

If the Lakers offer Beasley anything, it will be a minimum contract, and they will do it because he still has some offensive prowess.  He only averaged 7.9 points per game last year, but averaged against his limited minutes, he is still a strong scoring threats.   

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