The Los Angeles Lakers nearly missed the “grand” opportunity to sign one of the best free agents left on the free agent market, as the Oklahoma City Thunder also showed interest in Michael Beasley, according to Chris Haynes of ESPN.
The Lakers were the ones who signed Beasley, though, inking the versatile forward to a one-year deal which is worth $3.5 million.
While some people guffawed upon realizing that LeBron James will be flanked by a Lance Stephenson and a Michael Beasley next season, which is very far from the Lakers’ summer dream of a trio composed of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and James, the addition of Beasley was a low-cost, low-risk signing for the Lakers.
Plus, Beasley isn’t as bad as most people think he is. Last season, Beasley had a bounce-back campaign of sorts, averaging 13.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He also shot 50.7 percent from the field.
Beasley has become efficient on offense over the past few years. He has shot no worse than 52.2 percent from the floor in any of his last three seasons.
The former second-overall pick has a penchant for pulling the trigger quick and for lacking conscience at times on offense, but at least Beasley is likely to make it than not based on his recent numbers.
Beasley is not a defensive specialist in any sense, though, as opponents scored 3.9 points more per 100 possessions when he’s on the bench than when he’s on the court last season.
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