A couple of weeks ago the Lakers backed out of a possible trade to acquire troubled yet talented Minnesota swingman Michael Beasley. The Timberwolves were looking to the Lakers’ first round pick and Los Angeles was looking avoid paying the luxury tax that would come with acquiring Beasley and his salary.
According to reports floating around, the Lakers and Wolves have reopened discussions this time with the Portland Trailblazers in the mix.
If accurate the reports claim the Lakers would get their man in Beasley with Steve Blake heading back to Portland and Jamaal Crawford making the move to Minneapolis. Most likely the Lakers would still have to part with that first round pick but at least they’d be taking on a comparable salary to avoid being taxed even more at the end of the season.
The initial reaction on my behalf is that this move would be a massive upgrade in small forward production but would do significant damage to an already unproductive bench. As badly as the Lake Show needs more out of their three spot the position of point guard is by far the area of most help needed.
Currently Blake is splitting time with veteran Derek Fisher but it’s been the former of the two guards that generally sees more time, especially in late game situations.
While it is not a move that would drastically improve the Lakers’ title hopes it does add an element of scoring and athleticism sorely needed. Beyond Beasley’s questionable level of commitment and sometimes sour attitude he’s also a defensive liability. Mike Brown would definitely have his work cut our for him in trying to get the most of Beasley not to mention having to seamlessly incorporate a new player into a team that is just beginning to come together.