The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly are eying free agent Michael Beasley. After being impressed by his recent workout, the Lakers are considering signing the 25-year-old to add even more depth to their crowded frontcourt.
Los Angeles is at least considering adding Beasley to the roster, although no deal is imminent.
"As already tweeted - I hear Lakers liked Beasley workout - though given their long list of forward, MB may be looking at other options (first)," Eric Pincus of BasketballInsiders.com tweeted Monday.
The Lakers, though, already have a crowded frontcourt. Lakers guards Kobe Bryant, Nick Young and Xavier Henry all can play the swingman position, which essentially gives the Lakers five small forwards. As Pincus pointed out, Beasley will likely seek a team that can give him a better chance of earning playing time.
It's uncertain how many teams are legitimately interested in signing Beasley. The Miami Heat have appeared to move on after giving Beasley's No. 8 jersey away to veteran forward Shawne Williams, whom Miami signed last week.
While Beasley arguably is more talented than Williams, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported several reasons as to why the Heat were not keen to re-sign Beasley.
"A person with direct knowledge cited several reasons for the Heat's lack of interest: Inconsistency, lack of trust in his defense (and ability to execute the Heat's defensive system), and maturity/focus issues, which are still a concern even though he improved somewhat in that regard last season," Jackson wrote Monday.
Beasley has turned into a bit of a journeyman since being drafted by Miami in 2008. He's since played for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns before returning to the Heat last season.
He has a history of off-the-court issues, including his August 2013 arrest on suspicion of marijuana, which led to Phoenix releasing him the following month.
Not many expect the Lakers to reach the postseason with their current roster. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, though, appears determined to keep his books clear for next summer's big free agency class, which could include Rajon Rondo, Eric Bledsoe and Marc Gasol.
UPDATE (8/27/14) : Beasley gets 2nd workout from Lakers.
