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3 Lakers players with the most unclear futures in LA

By Jason Reed

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 14: Malik Beasley #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 14: Malik Beasley #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Malik Beasley Lakers
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) – Malik Beasley Lakers /

2. Malik Beasley

Malik Beasley was included in the Russell Westbrook trade alongside Jarred Vanderbilt from Utah. While it did not take long for Vanderbilt to become a fan favorite in Los Angeles, Beasley has not completely been what he was advertised to be thus far.

On paper, it looked like the Lakers were getting an excellent catch-and-shoot option that could help the team space the floor. Beasley’s defense was an issue but he should have been able to make up for it with his three-point shooting.

Beasley has not been terrible from beyond the arc but he has not been great, either. Beasley is shooting 34.9% from three and fans are letting him hear it, actually prompting the shooting guard to respond to the negativity on social media.

Los Angeles is in a similar situation with Beasley that the team is in with Mo Bamba. The Lakers have a club option for the 2023-24 season that is worth $16.5 million.

That might seem too pricey considering what he has added to the team this season but if the Lakers turn down the option they would be losing it for nothing. Instead, the Lakers could bring Beasley back for next season with the intention of seeing how he plays or just outright trading him for a larger salary.

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