Free agent Michael Beasley reportedly is uninterested in signing a nonguaranteed contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Beasley appears most likely to start the season as a free agent in the interest of his career, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.
Although only 25 years old, Beasley could be on his way out of the NBA. Kyler speculates if Beasley is cut from another team, his career in the league might be over. For that reason, Kyler believes Beasley may hold off on signing with a team and instead wait for a legitimate opportunity to come along later in the season.
"Hard to say what's gonna happen with Mike... he is still getting paid by the (Phoenix) Suns so he doesn't have to take an offer that is not good for him and his camp understand(s) he can't sign somewhere and get cut or he's finished," Kyler wrote Tuesday night. "He may wait for an injury or a roster to change by trade or someone getting cut.
"The Lakers usually keep the final roster spots non-guaranteed and I don't think Beasley agrees to that unless he's assured to get a chance and I am not sure the Lakers are willing to do that."
Los Angeles is already deep at the forward position. Counting guards Kobe Bryant, Nick Young and Xavier Henry as swingmen, the Lakers have five small forwards. While the Lakers appear to want more depth at the 3-spot, Beasley is unlikely to get much playing time if he were to sign with the Lakers' current roster.
If Beasley passes on Los Angeles, the Lakers reportedly are eying expected soon-to-be free agent Alonzo Gee, who has experience playing under coach Byron Scott.
