NBA Trade Rumors: Michael Beasley Won't Solve Lakers' Problems

The Los Angeles Lakers have a few holes to fill if they want to be taken seriously in the Western Conference.

Adding Michael Beasley to the mix won't do it.

ESPN's Chris Broussard first reported the Lakers' interest in the young forward, and it was confirmed by Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press:

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A little birdie confirmed Wednesday that the Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest in trading for Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley.

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.

Beasley, who turned 23 last month, seems unfazed by the possibility.

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The small forward's high ground stance means absolutely nothing here. If he had said anything it would likely be excitement about joining the Lakers.

Beasley's started only seven games this season and is averaging a career-low 12.2 points per game.  He's one of four small forwards in Minnesota and is very much expendable.

The Lakers, meanwhile, have Matt Barnes, Metta World Peace, Devin Ebanks and Luke Walton listed on the depth chart at the position.

Adding Beasley is just throwing another scrap on the heap. Financially it works as the Lakers have a trade exception that keeps them under the cap, but they'd have arguably the worst small forward depth chart in the league.

Beasley is as inconsistent, or even more so, than current Laker Metta World Peace. Trusting one of them to play a legitimate role for the Lakers is like giving a gun to a monkey.

At least World Peace understands defensive game plans currently fit in with his teammates. Beasley is far from a good teammate and often finds himself in trouble on and off the court.

Kobe Bryant isn't going to tolerate that, especially from a guy that doesn't always deliver on the floor.

This deal, statistically and financially makes sense, but it doesn't help the Los Angeles Lakers fix their problems.