Lakers Rumors: Michael Beasley Close To Signing With L.A.?

The height of 2014 NBA free agency is long gone, but the Los Angeles Lakers are still looking to make additions to their roster for the upcoming season. According to USA Today, the team recently worked out several players in L.A.

The Tuesday workout reportedly included Michael Beasley, Dexter Pittman, Greg Stiemsma, and Daniel Orton, Bobby Brown and Toney Douglas. Ben Hansbrough and Malcolm Lee, who didn’t play in the NBA last season, also played in front of the Lakers’ brass.

For Beasley, it’s the second time this summer that he’s worked out for Los Angeles. L.A. was reportedly interested in the big man a month ago, but they never made him a contract offer.

Beasley is looking for a team after spending 2013-2014 with the Miami Heat. He played in 55 games, averaging 7.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.7 assists. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that the Heat don’t want to re-sign Beasley because defensive, maturity and focus issues.

The 25-year-old entered the league with a lot of promise in 2008, being selected No.2 overall in the NBA Draft. However, off-the court and behavior issues have held him back, leading to him playing for three different teams in six years, including two separate stints with Miami.

If the Lakers take a chance on Beasley, it will be a low-risk maneuver. The team already has 13 roster spots filled, leaving two more available. They began the summer with a lot money to spend, but have since gone over the salary cap. Beasley would have to accept the league minimum.

Despite failing to sign LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony or any top targets this summer, the Lakers have the sixth-highest payroll at nearly $74 million. Their biggest free agent acquisitions include Carlos Boozer, who was amnestied by the Chicago Bulls, and Ed Davis, who’ll make less than $1 million in the 2014-2015 season.

The Lakers’ biggest acquisition came through a trade, when they landed Jeremy Lin from the Houston Rockets. Houston didn’t ask for much in return, as they were looking to clear cap space to potentially sign Chris Bosh.

L.A. is looking to improve on one of the worst seasons in franchise history. If Kobe Bryant remains healthy, it will be difficult for the team to not surpass last year’s win total of just 27 victories.

Los Angeles will open the season on Oct. 28 against Houston.