Lakers’ roster becomes even more intriguing
The once-troubled, well-traveled Beasley is latest addition to an interesting group.
The Lakers added one more veteran to their roster Friday, signing forward Michael Beasley to a oneyear deal worth $3.5 million, according to people familiar with the deal who were not authorized to speak publicly.
Beasley joins a rebuilt roster headlined by LeBron James, along with three other veteran additions the Lakers signed to one-year deals: guards Rajon Rondo and Lance Stephenson and center JaVale McGee.
The Lakers also brought back guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a second one-year deal. They’ll join a young group led by secondyear players Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart, and third-year forward Brandon Ingram.
Beasley, 29, is a former No. 2 overall draft pick joining his seventh team in 11 seasons. Last season he averaged 13.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in 74 games with New York. He shot 50.7% from the field, 39.5% on three-pointers and 78% from the line and was one of the Knicks’ more consistent players.
Beasley was drafted by Miami out of Kansas State in 2008 after he led all of college basketball with 12.7 rebounds per game and was named the Big 12 player of the year. He earned firstteam all-rookie honors but was traded to Minnesota on July 12, 2010, just four days after James announced he was signing with the Heat.
Beasley returned during James’ final year in Miami, the 2013-14 season. Beasley is one of three top-five picks from the 2008 draft class to be teammates with James, who also played with first overall pick Derrick Rose and fifth overall pick Kevin Love.
Beasley played in China on two occasions and got a third stint in Miami. He also spent time with Houston and Milwaukee. He signed a three-year contract with Phoenix in 2012 but was waived a year later after an arrest for marijuana possession.
Beasley’s reputation has suffered over several off-thecourt incidents. But he hasn’t had trouble in years.
“My past is my past,” Beasley said last year, according to the New York Post. “They keep harping on it. Everyone wants me to grow up and learn from my past, learn from my mistakes. But you guys should do the same thing.
“I’m years removed from any marijuana incident or incident period. But it’s all anybody speaks about. I’ve grown up. Now it’s time for you to grow up.’’