Could Beasley Addition Improve Lakers Chances?

Jun 7, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley (8) laughs during practice before game 2 of the 2014 NBA Finals at Spurs Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s take a look a Michael Beasley’s career for a moment. The 25 year-old was drafted second in the first round of the 2008 NBA draft by the Miami Heat, and since then he has accumulated 6 years of league experience. Back in the 08-09 season with the Heat, he played all 81 games and started 19 times. Based on his performance, Beasley played in at least 70 games the two following seasons; however, his career took a significant hit in his second season playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and then again in the next season playing for the Phoenix Suns, where he had accumulated his lowest career numbers. After being traded once again to the Miami Heat, Beasley proved to be a decent role player off the bench, chipping in whenever he could.

Now that Beasley could possibly move on to the Lakers, could he really help make much a difference when it comes to winning games? Just reading the statistics, one would have to guess that the addition of Beasley to the Lakers is quite meaningless; but then again, the Lakers do not realistically have an all-star caliber lineup, so maybe Beasley would have more of an impact than the numbers currently show. He could likely get more touches and significantly more playing time than with Miami this past season. Beasley may be able to provide a little help to Wesley Johnson, who is the only true three-man on the squad, leaving Nick Young free to play the two much more frequently depending on his performance and how new head coach Byron Scott decides to use him. Nick Young of course will be seeing a lot of minutes not only because he provides scoring, but coach Scott really likes Swaggy. Other players who will rotate into the three spots as of right now are Kobe Bryant, Ryan Kelly, Xavier Henry, and most likely newly acquired rookie Julius Randle.

An official deal has not been made yet, but with the Lakers current roster composition, it seems as though Beasley’s addition will could be an overall positive move. Though his career may have somewhat fizzled with other teams throughout the duration of his career, if he were to sign with the Lakers, this could be his chance to redeem himself and prove is overall worth.