NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers might reunite with $3 million shooting guard before playoffs to

As the NBA regular season winds down and the playoffs begin to loom large, the Los Angeles Lakers are in a critical position. They are actively seeking ways to improve their roster and maximize their chances of making a deep postseason run. One of the most talked-about trade rumors is the possibility of the Lakers reuniting with a shooting guard who once played for them—Malik Beasley, currently with the Orlando Magic.

Beasley, who is earning $3 million for the 2023-2024 season, has been making waves as a key trade asset that could provide the Lakers with much-needed scoring and three-point shooting as they make a final push for the playoffs. This article takes an in-depth look at why the Lakers might target Beasley once again and how this potential trade could impact their playoff prospects.

Who Is Malik Beasley?

Before diving into the trade details, it’s essential to understand who Malik Beasley is and why he might be a valuable addition to the Lakers’ roster. Beasley is a 6’4” shooting guard who has been known throughout his NBA career for his ability to shoot the three-ball. He is the kind of player who can provide instant offense off the bench, spacing the floor and creating opportunities for other players with his shooting range.

Beasley’s journey through the NBA began when he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2016. After spending several years with the Nuggets, Beasley was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020, where he really began to establish himself as a legitimate scoring threat. By 2023, he was playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, where he was brought in during a trade deadline deal. Beasley’s tenure with the Lakers was solid—he averaged 10.1 points per game while shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc. Despite his solid shooting performances, the Lakers moved him in a trade in 2024 to the Orlando Magic in exchange for future assets.

Since joining the Magic, Beasley has continued to impress with his scoring and three-point shooting, averaging 9.8 points per game while maintaining a respectable 37.5% from three-point range. His combination of perimeter shooting and veteran experience has made him a potential trade target for several teams, but it’s the Lakers who are reportedly looking to bring him back into the fold.

Why the Lakers Would Reunite with Beasley

At the surface, the logic behind re-signing Beasley is clear: the Lakers need shooters. The team’s offense has often relied heavily on LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both of whom are capable of dominating inside. However, when opposing defenses collapse on the stars, the Lakers’ ability to stretch the floor and hit three-pointers becomes a key part of their success. Beasley, who is known for his deep shooting, could play a significant role in that area.

Additionally, Beasley is familiar with the Lakers’ system. During his brief stint with the team in 2023, he was able to fit in seamlessly as a role player, contributing to their postseason push. His previous experience with the Lakers means he wouldn’t require a significant adjustment period upon his return. In essence, Beasley is a known quantity—he already understands the team’s needs and how they operate.

Another key factor in the Lakers’ interest in Beasley is his financial situation. The Lakers are limited by the salary cap and cannot make major moves unless they get creative with their trades. Beasley, who is earning $3 million, is an affordable asset that the Lakers could potentially reacquire without sacrificing major roster pieces. His modest salary makes it much easier for the Lakers to pull off the trade while staying within the confines of their financial structure.

The Financials of the Trade

The Lakers are under a strict budget, and any trade they make must make financial sense. Beasley’s $3 million salary is low enough that it doesn’t complicate the team’s overall cap situation. According to reports, the Lakers are considering trading young guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, who earns around $3.8 million, along with draft picks in exchange for Beasley.

Hood-Schifino is a promising young guard, but he hasn’t yet proven himself as a consistent contributor at the NBA level. The Lakers might see moving him as a necessary sacrifice to bring in a more proven shooter in Beasley. The inclusion of draft picks adds value to the deal from the Magic’s perspective, as they continue to build for the future. This potential trade would be a win-win for both teams: the Lakers get the shooter they need for their playoff push, while the Magic gain future assets in exchange for a player who may not have a long-term future with their team.

One of the major factors here is the Lakers’ luxury tax situation. By moving Hood-Schifino’s expiring contract and including draft picks, the Lakers would be able to absorb Beasley’s $3 million salary without triggering the luxury tax. This is crucial, as the team wants to remain financially flexible while improving their roster. It also demonstrates that the Lakers are being strategic in their approach, ensuring they don’t go over budget while still enhancing their chances of a deep playoff run.

Beasley’s Role with the Lakers

If the Lakers do manage to bring Beasley back, he could provide immediate help to their roster. The Lakers have struggled to maintain consistent shooting from the perimeter, and Beasley’s addition would address this issue directly. His three-point shooting could be a major asset in the postseason when games slow down and scoring opportunities become more difficult to come by. Beasley is the type of player who can get hot quickly and change the course of a game with his shooting.

Beasley would likely come off the bench, providing the Lakers with a much-needed scoring spark in their second unit. This would allow the Lakers to keep their starters fresh and maintain offensive efficiency throughout the game. He could also play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis in certain lineups, spacing the floor and creating more room for their inside games.

Additionally, Beasley’s playoff experience could prove invaluable. While he has never been a main star on a playoff team, he has been part of several postseason rosters, and his ability to perform under pressure is an asset that could serve the Lakers well in a postseason series.

Other Potential Trade Targets

While Beasley appears to be the Lakers’ top target at the moment, the team has also been linked to other potential trade targets. For example, Marcus Smart, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year, has been mentioned in rumors as a possible acquisition. Smart would provide the Lakers with a defensive-minded guard who can also contribute offensively. However, Smart’s contract would require more complex salary matching, and his fit with the Lakers’ roster is less clear than Beasley’s.

The Lakers have also reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring De’Aaron Fox, though that trade would likely require significant roster upheaval. Fox is a dynamic scorer and playmaker, but the Lakers may be hesitant to part with key players and draft assets to acquire him. Beasley, on the other hand, provides a more affordable and immediate solution to the Lakers’ shooting woes.