Is Minnesota’s Michael Beasley headed to play alongside Kobe Bryant and Co.?  According to the blogs at CBSSports.com, the Lakers are interested in acquiring the former second overall draft pick.

Despite his high draft position, the Timberwolves have primarily used Beasley off the bench this season due to a logjam at the forward position.  The shoot-first forward is averaging just 12.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game this season after putting up more than 19 points game as a starter last year.  

Could Beasley resurrect his career in Los Angeles?  He would certainly revel in the opportunity to play for a perennial contender and under the bright lights of the Staples Center.  But two immediate questions come to mind: 

 

  1. Are there enough shots to go around for Bryant and Beasley?
  2. Is Beasley mature enough to handle the distractions of L.A.?
It’s almost certain that Bryant would welcome another peremeter player who can put the ball in the basket, even one without a concious like Beasley.  Bryant knows he will get his shots.  Beasley might take a few shots away from Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum, but those might be offset by the extra rebounding opportunities they’d find on the offensive end.
As far as maturity, who knows?  Beasley has had a few off-the-court issues during his brief NBA career.  Despite his impressive numbers last season, the Timberwolves still saw fit to draft Derrick Williams with the number two pick, despite the fact that he plays the same position as Beasley.
If a deal is made, the Lakers would be banking on the strong leadership and personality of Bryant to help Beasley mature into the star player many projected he would become when he entered the league.

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