While the Miami Heat have made it unlikely that they’ll re-sign former number two overall pick Michael Beasley (giving his jersey to free agent signee Shawne Williams was sign #1), the Los Angeles Lakers continue to be the team most likely the free agent forward.
According to Eric Picnus of the Los Angeles Times reports the franchise was impressed with Beasley in a recent workout.
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For Beasley, his continuing his NBA career may be solely reliant on the Los Angeles Lakers interest. There have been reports of the Indiana Pacers being interested in Beasley for his scoring post-Paul George injury, but there has been little traction on that end.
Going into the 2014-15 season, the Lakers will be thin at the small forward position. As of now, the lone small forward in Los Angeles at the moment are Xavier Henry and Wesley Johnson. Kobe Bryant may spend some time at the forward to spread out minutes, but outside of this group they’re thin, especially in regards to talent.
Removing Bryant from the equation, there’s an argument that Beasley could be better than both Henry and Johnson. Defensively, Henry and Johnson may get the nod, but offensively, Beasley is much better than the two.
Depending on what the Lakers value most here–likely defense as Byron Scott has harped on it plenty times since being selected head coach, this could determine if LA continues to pursue Beasley.
Last season, Beasley averaged a career-low 7.9 points per game with the Miami Heat.