Lakers Trade Rumors: LA Should Focus on Landing Michael Beasley and Ray Felton

I've said it before, and I'll say it again—Michael Beasley would be a good fit for the Los Angeles Lakers, especially if the asking price isn't too high.

Let's add Raymond Felton to that list.

These two names surfaced on Friday, when Roland Lazenby tweeted this little ditty:

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I hear they want both Felton and Beasley. That's their goal. But talk is cheap right now. The source is good tho.

— Roland Lazenby (@lazenby) February 25, 2012"

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The fact that Felton has fallen in favor in Portland seems to be the straw stirring this thing.

— Roland Lazenby (@lazenby) February 24, 2012"

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Who knows? But there's word of using the trade exception for Felton. Who knows?

— Roland Lazenby (@lazenby) February 24, 2012"

And apparently, Beasley might be able to be had for a first-round pick, at least according to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press:

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The Timberwolves are serious about a potential trade of Michael Beasley to the Los Angeles Lakers for a first-round draft pick.

"

Before you go yelling about how Beasley isn't worth a first-round pick or any nonsense like that, remember that the Lakers have two first-round picks in 2012—their own and that of the Dallas Mavericks (which is top-20 protected but will likely kick in this year).

If the Lakers could bring in Beasley for their first-round pick and land Felton for the trade exception, the team could really solidify its roster. No, this isn't as sexy as a Dwight Howard trade, but at least they wouldn't have to gut their frontcourt to make this deal happen.

Beasley could add a much-needed scoring presence and the versatility to play minutes at either small or power forward, likely making Metta World Peace even more irrelevant along the way.

And Felton would fit nicely into that gaping hole the Lakers have at the point guard position. Remember, Felton averaged 15.5 points and 8.3 assists per game last year between the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets.

He would be an upgrade.

As Lazenby notes, talk is cheap. But if this talk has any merit to it, the Lakers could bring in very solid value without giving up much in return.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets are more entertaining than the Slam Dunk Contest.