Los Angeles Lakers: Grading the “Suicide Squad” deals that followed LeBron James

Michael Beasley

Everyone thought the Lakers were done signing eclectic NBA players, but then they said: “hold my beer” and picked up Michael Beasley on another one-year deal.

This deal was actually a somewhat pleasant surprise, as Beasley had one of the best years of his career in the 2017-18 season for the New York Knicks. He averaged 13.2 PPG and 5.6 RPG, his most in either category since the 2010-11 season.

He does fit into the “playmaker” type of player on offense that the Lakers want to come off their bench. He would be great off the bench at the 4 for the Lakers alongside LeBron when he’s the 5, as the Lakers would theoretically have other 3-point shooters in the other three roles.

That way, Beasley can settle in the post, where he was in the 69.5 percentile in terms of scoring last season. Notable names on that list that Beasley was in front of were power forwards like Blake Griffin, Paul Millsap, and Aaron Gordon, so he’s definitely an asset in regards to that facet of the offense.

In a reoccurring trend that can be noticed in these signings, Beasley leaves a lot to be desired on the defensive end. Beasley was ranked 410th out of 521 NBA players in regards to DRPM in the 2017-18 season. That’s very bad, but I guess he’s still 101 spots better than Lance Stephenson, so there’s that.

Grade: C+

These signings are fine if they are just bench signings like they seem to be. The young players like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart still should get the opportunity to get most of the playing time. If these players start to supplant the young guns, then the judgment of the Lakers’ brass should definitely be questioned.