NBA Trade Rumors: How Michael Beasley Can Improve Under Kobe Bryant's Leadership

With trade talks that would land the Lakers Michael Beasley intensifying, it's time to consider why Beasley will improve with the Lake Show.

Truthfully, it would be best for the career of Beasley if he were dealt to the Lakers—namely because he would be under the tutelage of Kobe Bryant, something his career could definitely use.

What Beasley doesn't need is to be swapped to another undisciplined, unmotivated team, where he'd average around 15 points per game but never come close to reaching his full potential.

Beasley needs to be sharpened by a fiery veteran who can instill some motivation and drive into his young heart.

Can you think of a better player to provide this than Kobe?

Kobe can light a fire into Beasley and push his career in a new direction. What's more, the acquisition of Beasley could light a fire in the Lakers, who need a youthful player to infuse some life into their aging roster.

This all sounds fine and dandy, but how exactly is Kobe going to influence Beasley to improve?

First of all, Beasley has a very high ceiling. In 2008, he was the second overall pick, and there was even speculation that the Bulls would nab him No. 1 instead of Derrick Rose.

Choosing Rose over Beasley was obviously a good choice for Chicago, but people have never debated Beasley's potential. His talents and versatility are clear. What he needs is the right environment—an environment in which he's challenged to take his game to new levels.

Enter Kobe.

Have you seen that look of fury on Kobe's face when he's disgusted with a teammate? That's a stupid question, because I'm guessing we all have.

Kobe carries a degree of expectation for each one of his teammates. He's not afraid to confront teammates and critique, inform and instruct. While he may not be the point guard, he's still the general of this team and helps make others around him better.

If the Lakers welcome Beasley into their rotation, you can bet that Kobe will be in his ear frequently.

If Beasley is accustomed to taking possessions off on defense, you can bet on Kobe putting a stop to that. If Beasley too often settles for fade aways on offense, you can bet that Kobe will teach him how to use his body and get to the free-throw line. And if Beasley lacks the competitive fire to win consistently in the league, you can count on Kobe finding new-found motivation with the psyche of Beasley.

Great leaders bring the best out of others, and Kobe will do this for Beasley, which is why it's a great fit. 

Beasley is 6'10'', can shoot the three and is only 23 years old. What's more, he averaged 19.2 points per game last season with Minnesota, but he's somehow got lost in the shuffle this season (only 11.8 PPG).

It's clear that a change of scenery would be beneficial for him.

But what's more important than a change of scenery is the presence of a true leader situated right next to him, a leader who can reach into the core of Beasley and bring to life the All-Star caliber player that's there.

This is a win-win trade for Beasley and the Lakers. Beasley needs to be teammates with Kobe, and the Lakers need a young player who's capable of becoming a star.

Beasley in a Lakers uniform could prove pivotal come this year's stretch run, and for years into the future.