3 Lakers who are playing for their jobs in the NBA Playoffs

By Jason Reed | Apr 15, 2023

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Head coach Darvin Ham of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a Lakers timeout during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on April 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) – Malik Beasley Lakers /

2. Malik Beasley

Malik Beasley was part of the package alongside Russell that the Lakers received in the Westbrook trade. On paper, it looked like Beasley could have the biggest impact of all the players the Lakers brought in because of his skill set on offense.

While Beasley too leaves a lot to be desired on defense, his ability as a catch-and-shoot three-point shooter was incredibly enticing to imagine in Los Angeles. His shooting numbers were down for the year but he is someone who has shown he can be an elite three-point shooter.

Those down numbers continued after he was traded to Los Angeles and he was far from being the automatic marksman that fans were hoping for. Beasley is rather one-dimensional offensively and with his three-point shots not hitting, he was not adding much value to the team.

That being said, Beasley can wipe away the several weeks of mediocre three-point shooting with a red-hot NBA Playoffs. We have seen Lakers role players get hot in the playoffs (looking at you, Markieff Morris) and Beasley could secure his future in LA by doing that.

However, if his three-point shot does not get better (or even gets worse) then there is a chance that the Lakers could look at his expensive $16.5 million club option for next season and move on.

It is also worth mentioning that Beasley played only 14 minutes in the play-in game.

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