NBA Trade Rumors: Michael Beasley Would Be Perfect Addition for Lakers

He's not Dwight Howard, but that doesn't mean the Los Angeles Lakers shouldn't pursue every possible option to acquire Michael Beasley from the Minnesota Timberwolves. He would represent a major upgrade for the stagnant Lakers.

Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press confirmed Los Angeles' interest in the small forward:

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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.

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Beasley is averaging 12 points and five rebounds for the Timberwolves this season, mostly in a reserve role. Even though the dynamic forward was at 19 points per game last season, he's become expendable due to Minnesota's plethora of young forwards.

That provides a terrific opportunity for the Lakers to snag him at a reasonable price. The report states a first-round pick might be enough to get a deal done. If so, the Lakers front office should be sending the paperwork to the league office right now.

Beasley would provide a massive upgrade over Metta World Peace and Matt Barnes, both of who have provided little this season. Most importantly, it would give Los Angeles some much-needed athleticism at the position.

The best part about Beasley for a team like the Lakers is that he doesn't need the ball to be successful. He's willing to make hustle plays on both ends, so whether he's averaging 17 points or 10 points, he's still worth the playing time.

It's clear Los Angeles needs some type of shake up before the trade deadline.

The team currently sits in fifth place in the Western Conference, seven games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, which simply isn't good enough for the Lakers.

Sticking with the status quo and hoping a sudden offensive rhythm develops isn't going to work. Beasley would be that extra jolt of energy the locker room needs. The fact LA wouldn't have to give up a key piece to get him makes it all the better.

There's really no downside to it for the Lakers. Even the pick they will have to give up won't be until late in the round, and those prospects are usually developmental projects anyway.

Beasley is the exact type of player the team needs to make the second half of the season more successful than the first. The sooner a deal gets done, the sooner a Lakers' run can begin.