Lakers Trade Rumors: LA Must Act Fast If Serious About Michael Beasley

It seems more and more unlikely that the Los Angeles Lakers will land Dwight Howard before the trade deadline on March 15th.

It also seems more and more unlikely that they'll be able to survive without making some type of move. They have their version of the "Big Three" in Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, but they lack any sort of legitimate talent at point guard and small forward.

In the last week it has been rumored that they have interest in Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley, a former No. 2 overall pick.

They're not the only team keeping tabs on him, though, as Peter Vecsey of the New York Post reports:

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The Lakers, also in dire need of a legitimate scoring threat at small forward, have genuine interest in Michael Beasley, but it’s doubtful they’ll use the $8.9 million trade exception (from Lamar Odom being shipped to Dallas) to acquire him because of the increased luxury tax consequences stemming from the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman recently committed to boosting Derrick Williams’ minutes, making Beasley extraneous. Minnesota is pushing hard to relocate his $6.2 million expiring contract and have the Nets and Celtics leaning.

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But with Kobe's latest injury—a broken nose and concussion—he's expected to miss the Lakers' return to the court tonight, according to Chris Broussard of ESPN.

The Nets and Celtics would rather do bigger deals, but may settle for a quick fix in Beasley at the right price.

Both Beasley and Williams, the guy the Timberwolves used this year's No. 2 pick on, went off for 27 points last night in their upset win over the Clippers. The expect Williams to get better the more he sees the court.

Beasley's attitude and work ethic are certainly questionable at best, but he's a scoring upgrade over Metta World Peace and Matt Barnes.

With Kobe leading the league in points per game and playing four more minutes per night than he did last year, the Lakers desperately need another scoring option they can rely on. That is not to say Beasley is reliable, but he's played better as of late and may benefit from change of scenery.

If it is not the Lakers, it will be somebody else. Minnesota wants to make a move, though and it is the Lakers who have the biggest need.

Although the trade would indirectly amount to Lamar Odom for Beasley via the Mavericks' trade exception, the Lakers have only themselves to blame for being in this position.