NBA Trade Rumors: Before the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers may rejoin with their $3 million shooting guard to support

As the NBA season heads toward its climactic playoff stretch, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a familiar position: looking to solidify their roster and improve their chances of making a deep playoff run. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, the Lakers have shown flashes of brilliance, but their performance has been inconsistent, especially on the offensive end. For the Lakers, addressing weaknesses and adding depth to their roster could be the key to pushing past their current limitations. One of the most intriguing rumors circulating around the Lakers is the potential reunion with their $3 million shooting guard—a player who previously played a crucial role in the team’s success but was let go during the offseason. This player is poised to rejoin the squad just in time for a playoff push, and if the deal happens, it could significantly impact the Lakers’ playoff prospects.

In this article, we’ll explore the implications of this potential reunion, examine the shooting guard’s role within the Lakers’ system, and discuss what this trade could mean for the team as they push toward the postseason.

The Importance of the Shooting Guard Position for the Lakers

The shooting guard position is often a key factor in any NBA team’s success, as it plays a vital role in both offense and defense. For the Lakers, finding consistent scoring on the perimeter has been an issue for several seasons. Although they have two of the most dominant players in the league in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the team has struggled to maintain offensive spacing and has lacked the necessary scoring punch from their supporting players, especially from the guard spots.

In the current NBA, teams need players who can stretch the floor, shoot from long-range, and provide steady perimeter defense—qualities that a strong shooting guard can bring to the table. The Lakers, despite their star power, have often relied on LeBron James to create scoring opportunities for others, while Davis has been key in the paint. However, this leaves the team with limited options when facing elite defenses, as the lack of scoring depth can be exploited by opposing teams in playoff settings.

A reliable shooting guard who can create his own shot, defend effectively, and provide leadership on the floor could be the missing piece for the Lakers. This is where the return of the $3 million shooting guard could make a significant difference. The Lakers have been connected to this player in trade rumors for several weeks, and it seems like the front office may be actively pursuing a deal to bring him back into the fold.

Who Is the $3 Million Shooting Guard?

While rumors are still circulating, sources indicate that the player in question is Malik Beasley, a talented shooting guard who had a stint with the Lakers during the 2023-2024 season. Beasley, who is currently on a team-friendly contract worth just $3 million for the remainder of the season, has become a valuable asset for the Lakers in this particular context. The veteran shooting guard brings with him several qualities that the Lakers need, including elite three-point shooting, perimeter defense, and an ability to thrive off the ball.

Beasley’s time with the Lakers was marked by his ability to knock down crucial shots from the outside, providing the spacing that LeBron and Davis need to operate in the paint. While he’s not a star, Beasley’s experience and ability to fit into a supporting role make him a solid player for the Lakers to target in the lead-up to the playoffs. His contract, which is relatively affordable at $3 million, makes him an attractive option for the Lakers as they look to add depth without making significant financial commitments.

Beasley is an intriguing option because of his ability to be a secondary scorer and a floor spacer, particularly when LeBron is running the offense. His three-point shooting can open up lanes for Davis to operate down low and give LeBron more room to attack the rim or create for others. Beasley’s return to the Lakers would be a return to familiarity, a role he’s well-suited for, and the team would likely look to lean on his shooting and defensive prowess as they make a playoff push.

The Potential Impact of Beasley’s Return to the Lakers

If Malik Beasley were to rejoin the Lakers, the team’s offensive and defensive potential could significantly improve. Below, we explore how Beasley’s presence could affect various facets of the Lakers’ game and their playoff outlook:

1. Boosting the Lakers’ Perimeter Shooting

One of the most pressing issues for the Lakers in recent seasons has been their inability to consistently hit outside shots. Even though LeBron James is capable of creating offense for others, the Lakers need shooting threats around him and Davis to space the floor effectively. Beasley, who has averaged around 37% from three over his career, would immediately provide a perimeter threat that the Lakers have sorely lacked.

With Beasley back on the court, opposing teams would have to respect his ability to knock down shots from deep. This could give LeBron and Davis more freedom to operate without facing constant double teams in the paint. Beasley’s ability to catch and shoot on the move or in catch-and-shoot situations would make him an ideal complementary player for the Lakers’ offense, allowing the team to spread the floor and create more open looks for their superstars.

2. Enhancing Defensive Capabilities

While Beasley is known for his shooting, he’s also a capable defender who can guard multiple positions on the perimeter. In the playoffs, defense becomes paramount, and the Lakers will need all the defensive help they can get to compete with the league’s top offenses. Beasley’s defensive chops will provide head coach Darvin Ham with another reliable option on the defensive end.

Having a player who can defend multiple positions, including opposing shooting guards and small forwards, will help the Lakers maintain a level of defensive flexibility. Beasley’s ability to chase around perimeter players, fight through screens, and contribute to team defense will make him a valuable asset when the Lakers are up against some of the top offensive threats in the postseason.

3. A Secondary Scoring Option

Beasley has consistently been a reliable secondary scorer on teams throughout his career. His ability to score off the bench or in a starting role when needed makes him a great asset to a Lakers team that sometimes struggles with scoring depth. In playoff situations, bench scoring can be the difference between a win and a loss, and having someone like Beasley available to contribute points in key moments can help the Lakers’ cause.

Moreover, Beasley’s scoring ability would allow the Lakers to better withstand stretches of games when either LeBron or Davis may not be on the floor or in foul trouble. As a shooter who can fill it up in a hurry, Beasley provides the Lakers with a player who can step in and provide a scoring spark when needed most.

4. Chemistry with LeBron and Davis

As mentioned earlier, Beasley already has experience playing alongside LeBron and Davis. This familiarity will make his transition back to the team smoother and allow him to slot back into his role without missing a beat. LeBron and Beasley have shown they can work well together, and Beasley’s ability to play off LeBron’s ball handling and vision is something the Lakers could rely on heavily in the postseason.

For Davis, Beasley provides an outlet when the defense collapses on him in the post or when he faces double-teams. With Beasley’s sharp shooting, the defense will have to honor his perimeter game, which could make it easier for Davis to operate in the paint.

What Would a Trade for Beasley Look Like?

Given Beasley’s modest contract at just $3 million for the remainder of the season, the Lakers have the flexibility to pursue a trade for him without giving up too much. The Lakers could look to package one or more of their younger assets, such as Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, or potentially Lonnie Walker IV for Beasley’s services. This would allow the Lakers to add depth without significantly altering their core roster.

The Lakers are also in a strong position financially because they have a high number of expiring contracts and can afford to make moves that don’t commit them to long-term financial obligations. The team could send a combination of expiring deals or future second-round picks in exchange for Beasley, making this a feasible trade.

 The Lakers’ Path to the Playoffs

As the Lakers prepare for the postseason, the addition of a reliable shooting guard like Malik Beasley could be a game-changer. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, the Lakers are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run. However, their chances of success will depend on the ability of supporting players to step up and contribute.

Beasley’s return could provide the Lakers with the perimeter shooting and defensive prowess they need to elevate their game in the postseason. If the trade rumors come to fruition, Beasley could become a key contributor for the Lakers, helping them build a balanced and dynamic team that can contend for a championship. With a successful trade and a healthy roster, the Lakers could very well find themselves competing for another NBA title come June.