17 People who turned their backs on the Los Angeles Lakers
By Tyler Watts
15. Malik Beasley
The Lakers acquired Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, and D’Angelo Russell in the three-team Russell Westbrook trade. It helped them turn their season around and reach the conference finals, but Beasley struggled. His minutes dipped as he shot under 40 percent from the field. The 6’4 guard was axed from the playoff rotation in the second round, but it did not stop the Lakers from having interest in a reunion.
Beasley was an unrestricted free agent and free to sign with any team. He had multiple suitors but took less money than the Lakers and Mavericks were offering to join the Milwaukee Bucks. The 6’4 guard jumped at the opportunity to get more minutes and to compete for a championship next to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Lakers were offering $6 million per season, so he took less than half to go to the Bucks. Beasley bet on himself but turned his back on LA. They wanted to keep their group together after reaching the conference finals. The Lakers re-signed Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura, but Beasley was one of several players to move on.
Malik Beasley just did not find his fit on the Los Angeles Lakers, so he left. It is difficult playing off LeBron James and Anthony Davis when someone is used to having the ball. Beasley has played well for the Bucks, and Lakers fans are left thinking about what could have been.