Free agent forward Michael Beasley will be taking his talents to Los Angeles to join the Lakers after signing a one-year $3.5 million deal.
The 29-year-old Beasley is coming off a great season in New York averaging 13.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in 74 games played. Prior to signing with the Lakers, the 6-foot-9 Beasley also drew the interest of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Beasley is among the key acquisitions of the Lakers this offseason after landing LeBron James, JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo, and Lance Stephenson. James, who joined the Lakers on a four-year deal, played one season with Beasley in the 2013-2014 season while they were with the Miami Heat. James added that he is a fan of Beasley's game.
Solid Signing By The Lakers
The former second overall pick has been a proven contributor with career averages of 12.7 points and 4.8 rebounds. Deadspin journalist Patrick Redford called Beasley a fine signing for the Lakers at an affordable price.
Redford said that Beasley would provide depth on the wing position for the Lakers most especially since the team have been exploring options on moving James at the center spot. He added that Beasley could also help teach young guys such as Brandon Ingram.
Nick Greene of Slate reiterated that Beasley would provide size and scoring for the Lakers. Greene also praised the Lakers decision to sign players into numerous one-year contracts, saying that it would enable the team to test out a few things this season before committing in a player for the long-term. The Lakers had approximately $5 million in remaining cap space.
Lakers Wanted To Re-Sign Lopez
Meanwhile, the Lakers were hoping to keep Brook Lopez to balance out the roster after renouncing Julius Randle and Rondo. However, Lopez decided to ink a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks worth $3.4 million.
During his tenure with the Lakers, Lopez averaged 13 points per game. Lopez's best year came in the 2016-17 NBA season wherein he averaged 20.5 points in 75 games played for the Brooklyn Nets. In addition, Lopez also averaged 1.5 three-pointers per game while playing for the Lakers.
With Lopez gone, the Lakers will now lean on the play of McGee, Ivica Zubac, and Moritz Wagner at the center position. While Luke Walton and the rest of the Lakers coaching staff wanted to explore their own death lineup, reports suggest that president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka are not making it too much of a priority.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
