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4 Lakers who are playing for their future in Los Angeles

By Jason Reed

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 28: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 28: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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Malik Beasley Lakers
(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) – Malik Beasley Lakers /

1. Malik Beasley

Lakers fans probably did not expect to see Malik Beasley on this list. Beasley was one of the key young players that the team acquired at the trade deadline and with how the roster is constructed is the team’s most talented three-point shooter.

While that alone seems like enough of a reason for Beasley’s future to be a guarantee, it simply isn’t with how this team operates. Beasley is going to have to earn his spot on the 2023-24 roster down the stretch and if he does not perform up to expectations then he could be packing his bags yet again this summer.

Beasley has a club option for $16.5 million next season. That is a lot of money to pay someone who essentially is only a shooter. D’Angelo Russell is a free agent and could be getting a decent payday from the Lakers, which could prompt ownership to push Beasley away.

The Lakers have not been shy in their penny-pinching ways in the past and while it would make more sense to simply keep the contract on the books so you can have someone, this is the same team that let Alex Caruso walk for half the price in the same situation.

Next. Lakers all-time draft bust starting five. dark

You would hope that Los Angeles would learn from its mistakes but it will take Beasley playing well to distract them from their penny-pinching ways. A 35.6% three-point rate probably is not good enough to convince Jeanie Buss and co. to pay him $17.5 million (and the taxes on top of that money) next season.

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