The LA Lakers have made a number of free agent moves for new head coach Byron Scott and while Eric Bledsoe would be a dream option, the team likely is looking at names like Michael Beasley, Jordan Crawford, Chris Singleton and Andrew Bynum over signing Bledsoe as a restricted FA and the team may also consider a Steve Nash trade later in the season if they have interest following the trade for Jeremy Lin.
ESPN.com reports that the Lakers brought in Michael Beasley for a workout and he is one player that could be a free agent target along with Jordan Crawford. Beasley played in a reserve role with the Miami Heat last season and now he could be an option to come off the bench for the Lakers. The Lakers had a tough season in 2013-14 and they had their worst record in years and one of the biggest reasons for their struggles was the fact that Kobe Bryant was sidelined for basically the entire season.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Lakers considered an offer sheet for Bledsoe, but since they knew the Suns would likely match, the team opted not to extend it. The Lakers instead continued to build up their roster and instead of having the offer sheet freeze their salary cap, they went after Carlos Boozer to add depth and they also brought back Wesley Johnson and Nick Young to the roster. The Lakers have Byron Scott in as head coach and he said that he wants to give the team a new identity and bring back the championship winning ways of the franchise.
Jordan Crawford, Chris Singleton and Chris Douglas-Roberts are still on the market and they could be options to add onto the end of the bench. Crawford was solid for the Warriors and Celtics last season and he could be a solid option off the end of the bench. The team is also looking at Beasley and he comes in after averaging 7.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 15.1 minutes per game with the Heat last season. The 6-foot-10, 235-pound former number two pick has career numbers of 13.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists and he could also be a nice fit for the Lakers.
The Lakers signed back a number of their free agents, including Ryan Kelly and Nick Young, who led the team in scoring last season and put up his best career numbers. Kelly was excellent for a second round pick and the Lakers also brought back Wesley Johnson and Xavier Henry and they all join Julius Randle, who was a first round pick for the team this season. The Lakers reportedly are signing Jordan Clarkson after drafting him and they have just a couple spots left on the roster.
The Lakers may not be able to find a trade partner for Steve Nash, but they are being smart with his money, as they are not using the stretch provision on him this season. That sets up the team for free agency next year and while Nash has been injured the past couple years, he has the chance to contribute as a reserve. The Lakers need him and Bryant to be healthy and if that happens, there is a good chance they will compete make the playoffs.
