Lakers Still Interested in Michael Beasley, But..

There are two things a player wants when they get into the NBA.  Those two things are guaranteed money and playing time.  That’s what Michael Beasley is demanding.

The current Laker roster is relatively stacked at the forward positions.  Our own Jacob Rude has laid out the minutes for the power forward positions and the small forward positions.  Michael Beasley is not likely to play guard and both forward spots are taken by Carlos Boozer, Julius Randle, and Ryan Kelly at the four-slot with Nick Young, Xavier Henry, and Wesley Johnson at the three-slot.

The only way Michael Beasley gets the playing time is by playing up to his superstar level potential.  It takes years of cutting raw talent coal and turning into superstar diamond-level talent.  Michael Beasley can’t do that in two months.  He may not be able to do it in two years.  He may not be able to do it again.

Beasley though, is easily the most naturally-talented forward at either position when he’s compared to the Laker roster.  He has effortless moves in isolation plays.  He has a pull-up jumpshot from midrange that extends out to the three-point line.  He can attack the rim easily.  He’s also arguably the best rebounder next to Julius Randle.

That’s how he was the #2 pick for Miami.

On a team that is full of individual revival, Michael Beasley has something to prove.  Nick Young earned a lucrative contract extension with the Lakers.  Xavier Henry is getting a second chance after a prolonged injury from last season.  Wesley Johnson proved he was capable in stints.  Kendall Marshall got picked up by the Milwaukee Bucks.  You can bet that Carlos Boozer is looking to prove himself out there on the basketball floor.  We all know that Julius Randle is.

The question is, does Beasley have enough fight to show a transformation by September 30th?  That is when training camp starts.  I don’t see why the Lakers can’t bring him in for another workout in the future.  But, if they do, and he impresses even more than his first workout, he’ll get the playing time and guaranteed money.

After all, Nick Young is already proving himself at the Laker practice gym.

Michael Beasley should be there too.  That’s how he’d get what he wants.