The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly close to signing swingman Michael Beasley after the former Kansas State standout and former no.2 overall pick had a second workout with the team last week, Basketball Insiders writer Steve Kyler reported.
The 25-year old Beasley auditioned for a roster spot for the second time this summer, as the Lakers remain interested in signing the 6-foot-10 small forward. Aside from the Lakers, the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers also showed interest in Beasley, who averaged 7.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 15 minutes a game for the Heat last season.
Kyler reported the Lakers wanted to sign Beasley for a one-year, veteran minimum contract but the player's camp demanded a better deal in place. They agreed to have another meeting, leading up to a second workout in the Lakers' training facility in El Segundo, California.
"No new news on the Beasley/Laker front? nothing new. They met, they talked, they agreed to talk again," the Basketball Insider writer posted on his Twitter account.
Beasley, who performed solidly in his first workout despite a little bit rust, joined seven other free-agents hopefuls (Toney Douglas, Dexter Pittman, Greg Stiemsma, Bobby Brown, Malcolm Lee, Daniel Orton and Ben Hansbrough) in his latest workout.
"The Los Angeles Lakers held a free agent workout on Wednesday, and Michael Beasley was one of the seven players, according to USA Today's Sam Amick. The Lakers also gave Beasley a look at the end of July," according to CBS Sports.
Aside from Beasely, the Lakers are reportedly considering in adding another big man to beef up their frontline. Stiemsma appears to be the best option in the players who worked out. However, there's also the possibility of reunion between the Lakers and Andrew Bynum, who expressed his desire to return as a member of the purple-and-gold.
The Los Angeles Clippers auditioned the former All-Star center along with other big men (Greg Oden and Andray Blatche) early August, while the Knicks could be another possible landing spot for him if he's cleared fit to play again.
"Earlier this month, the Clippers reportedly auditioned the big man while also scoping out Andray Blatche and Greg Oden in the same week. Agent David Lee said in July that the Knicks could also have interest in his client while Bynum himself would like to reunite with the Lakers.
Both Beasley and Bynum could be big gamble for the Lakers management because of their checkered history as a ball player. Then again, these two players have the potential to become a major contributor if placed in right situation.
Lakers nation, Will you gamble on Michael Beasley and Andrew Bynum?
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