NBA Trade Rumors: Michael Beasley Would Boost the Lakers' Fading Offense

The Los Angeles Lakers seem poised to do something before the March 15 trade deadline, but exactly what that is, no one knows. The latest object of their affection seems to be the Minnesota Timberwolves' Michael Beasley. 

According to a report in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Lakers "have expressed interest" in the small forward. 

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Whether the Lakers have made an offer for Beasley is unclear, but the Wolves aren't especially interested in acquiring more bodies. A first-round draft pick might be a reasonable trade.

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Beasley, averaging 12.2 points and 5.3 rebounds a game, would seem expendable because the Wolves have several players who play his small forward position. He hasn't balked at his recent role of coming off the bench.

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Since the report says that the Lakers might not have to give up anyone or anything of significant value, they should pursue this as hard as possible. 

Beasley is not a dynamic offensive player, but he would add another wrinkle to the Lakers' stagnant offense.

Considering how strong they have looked on defense this year, there is no need to go overboard by blowing the whole thing up to go after Dwight Howard or some superstar that would require them to trade three or four players and draft picks. 

The Lakers need to make minor tweaks to keep up with the likes of Oklahoma City, Los Angeles, San Antonio and Dallas in the Western Conference. 

Beasley is the perfect answer for what the Lakers need, and they should ramp up their efforts to get him during All-Star weekend. 

Adding 12 points and five rebounds to the offense without having to get rid of a meaningful player or valuable draft pick is a sneaky move that will bring the Lakers back to prominence. 

Considering all the internal strife that has been going on in Hollywood lately, it would be great for the team to celebrate some good news heading into the second half. They just have to find a way to get the Timberwolves to pull the trigger.

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