The Los Angeles Lakers are still looking for ways to shore up their roster as reports indicated on Thursday that the club worked out several free agents last Tuesday.
Sam Amick of USA Today Sports reported, citing sources close to the situation, that the Lakers are still interested in signing former Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley, who was one of the eight players present during the workout.
Beasley averaged 7.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 55 regular-season games with the Miami Heat last season. But despite falling out on Miami's rotation last season, the Lakers are taking a good look at the 25-year-old forward.
Beasley, who was the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, has already worked out twice with the Lakers this summer with sources saying that team executives are intrigued about the possibility of signing the former Kansas State standout.
The Lakers still have two spots left on their roster for the upcoming NBA season and are reportedly looking to improve their depth at small forward in the hope of bouncing back from a dismal season by advancing to the 2015 NBA Playoffs.
Los Angeles targeted big-name free agents this summer, but they lost out in their bid to acquire Carmelo Anthony, who decided to re-sign with the New York Knicks, and LeBron James, who left the Heat in favor of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Lakers were also linked to a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves involving Kevin Love, and with the Phoenix Suns about a possible sign-and-trade deal for Eric Bledsoe, but talks did not advance due to the team's lack of attractive trade assets aside from rookie forward Julius Randle.
After missing out on their top targets, the Lakers signed Carlos Boozer via the amnesty waiver and Ed Davis via free agency, while also acquiring Jeremy Lin a trade with the Houston Rockets.
Should the Lakers decide to sign Beasley, the six-year veteran is expected to get strong consideration to start at three for the team in the upcoming season.
Aside from Beasley, the Lakers, who finished with a dismal 27-55 record last season, also worked out Dexter Pittman, Greg Stiemsma, Daniel Orton, Bobby Brown, Toney Douglas, Ben Hansbrough and Malcolm Lee.
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