The Los Angeles Lakers confirmed on Monday that they have reached an agreement with Michael Beasley. Meanwhile, the 29-year-old forward also needed to address his critics, saying that players other than LeBron James can actually play good basketball too.
In a press release, the L.A. Lakers confirmed signing a deal with Beasley. Although the team is not allowed to disclose provisions of the contract, reports have it that the player agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million.
Adding Michael Beasley to the Lakers sends a clear message. President Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka need to bring in the level of experience of the veterans they signed from the free agency 2018 to support James.
“Michael adds another component of versatility to our deep roster,” Pelinka said in a statement. “His length and ability to guard multiple positions, stretch the floor, play-make and create his own shot are all essential characteristics for us.”
.@Michael8easley makes it official with the #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/9g5sU18Fd7
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 23, 2018
Michael Beasley is the fourth NBA veteran the Lakers signed from the free agency after securing a four-year deal with LeBron James. The first three players signed were Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, and JaVale McGee.
Meanwhile, being teamed up with LeBron James sometimes has its downsides too. Playing together with one of the best-ever NBA players, teammates can expect comparisons that are sometimes uncalled for. And Michael Beasley is not having any of it.
In an interview with ESPN, Beasley said, “[If] everybody do their job and stop judging a lot of players -- me mainly -- you will figure out that guys like me, Nick Young, JR Smith and Lance Stephenson and guys like that know how to play basketball and win basketball games, know how to get along with others. It is nothing to do with my maturity."
In the previous season, the Lakers proved to have one of the strongest younger lineups in the league. And now that the team has been fortified with seasoned players like LeBron James and Michael Beasley, on-court leadership should become less of an issue for the Lakers’ 2018-19 run.
