NBA Trade Rumors: Michael Beasley Would Give Lakers Shot in Arm

With Michael Beasley coming off the bench and rookie Derrick Williams beginning to heat up, the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to deal Beasley before the March 15 trade deadline.

Beasley would be a shot in the arm for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD reported on Wednesday:

"

Sources confirm: Lakers, Wolves and Blazers discussing three-team deal. Michael Beasley to LA, Jamal Crawford to MIN, Steve Blake to POR.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) March 14, 2012"

The Lakers' clearest need is at point guard, but small forward has also been a position that has left a lot to be desired this season. Metta World Peace and Matt Barnes simply aren't getting it done, and it's becoming hard for the Lakers to cover up.

Yes, the Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday, 116-112, but Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol combined for 57 of the Lakers' 83 shot attempts. World Peace shot 1-of-7, while Barnes shot 1-of-4.

Beasley, if nothing else, can score. He's a career 45 percent shooter, while knocking down three-pointers at a 36 percent clip. He's a liability defensively, but even as a bench player he provides a boost to the Lakers, adding instant offense.

After losing reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lamar Odom during the offseason, the Lakers have found themselves with one of the worst benches in the NBA. The bench went 6-of-14 from the floor against the Grizzlies.

The Lakers may be on a four-game winning streak, but they know that they need something extra to get past the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West this season.

Most importantly, the athletic Beasley gives the Lakers life, which is something they have lacked at times this season. He's an extra weapon offensively against the Thunder, who are allowing opponents to shoot just 42 percent from the field. The last time the Lakers faced the Thunder, on Feb. 23, they lost 100-85 while shooting 38 percent as a team.

It's going to be interesting what the Lakers will do at point guard if they lose Blake, but you have to think they have something in mind.

Beasley is a good fit with the Lakers and would be a nice addition heading into the postseason.

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