Michael Beasley Works Out Again for the Los Angeles Lakers

For the second time this summer, the Los Angeles Lakers got an up-close look at free agent forward Michael Beasley.

Reportedly, big fellas Dexter Pittman, Greg Stiemsma, and Daniel Orton; along with guards Bobby Brown, Toney Douglas, Ben Hansbrough and Malcolm Lee also worked out for the Lakers this week. Per USA Today:

The Lakers currently have 13 players, meaning there are two roster spots available on this Kobe Bryant-led group that general manager Mitch Kupchak has said is capable of making the playoffs. That goal is a long shot, to be sure, but shoring up their small forward spot would help. […] As it stands, Xavier Henry and Wesley Johnson are the Lakers’ only traditional small forwards.

 

Beasley remains a tantalizing talent, but he left the Phoenix Suns on unflattering terms in the summer of 2013 and wasn’t able redeem himself in his return to the Heat last season. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra sang Beasley’s praises for much of the regular season but played him in only four of 20 playoff games (17 of his combined 23 minutes came in the NBA Finals finale blowout loss against the San Antonio Spurs).

 

The Lakers only gave out one long-term deal after missing out on their targeted stars, as guard Nick Young was given a four-year, $21.5 million contract. Center Jordan Hill re-upped for two years and a combined $18 million, forward Ryan Kelly was given a two-year, $3.3 million deal, while Johnson and Henry were given one-year deals.