Malik Beasley Makes Bold Move: Publicly Recruiting Lakers’ $195M Target Amid NBA Trade Rumors
The NBA off-season is often rife with rumors, speculation, and the occasional bombshell. This time, one of the more interesting stories to emerge from the rumor mill revolves around Malik Beasley and his attempts to recruit one of the Lakers’ most coveted targets in recent years. After a recent report surfaced linking the Los Angeles Lakers to a potential acquisition of a player worth a whopping $195,868,144, Beasley made a bold move by publicly putting his cards on the table.
The player in question is none other than star forward DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls, who has long been a part of the Lakers’ long-term wish list. DeRozan, a four-time All-Star and one of the NBA’s most reliable scorers, has earned a reputation for being able to create his own shot and deliver in clutch moments, which would make him a perfect fit for a team in desperate need of more offensive firepower and veteran leadership.
This move by Beasley, who was acquired by the Lakers in a trade during the 2023-2024 season, is likely a response to several factors: his new team’s recent struggles, the Lakers’ need to make a splash in the trade market, and the growing sense of urgency to surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with championship-caliber talent. With rumors circulating that DeRozan could be available via trade as the Bulls’ rebuild continues, it seems Malik Beasley sees an opportunity to leverage his relationship with DeRozan to bring him to Los Angeles.
Malik Beasley’s Recruiting Efforts: A Direct Appeal to DeRozan
Beasley’s comments on social media were clear and direct. The Lakers’ shooting guard posted a video message on Instagram tagging DeRozan, calling the two-time All-NBA team member to “come join the Lakers family” and bring his talents to L.A. The gesture was bold and not without risk, as it directly addressed a public need for the Lakers to improve and solidify their roster for the upcoming season.
Beasley, known for his sharpshooting and tenacity on the floor, is also a vocal and charismatic figure in the locker room. His leadership during his brief stint with the Lakers already has made an impression. As a relatively new addition to the team, Beasley’s attempt to recruit DeRozan speaks volumes about his confidence in the Lakers’ ability to make a run at the championship — provided the right pieces are added to the puzzle.
In his message, Beasley pointed to DeRozan’s ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. He highlighted DeRozan’s career as an elite scorer, which could be the missing piece to the Lakers’ puzzle. Beasley emphasized that DeRozan’s leadership and experience would complement LeBron’s playmaking ability and Anthony Davis’ defensive prowess. The move seemed more like a call to action than a casual suggestion: the Lakers are in win-now mode, and they need a player like DeRozan to keep their championship window open.
The Lakers’ Longtime Pursuit of DeMar DeRozan
The connection between the Lakers and DeRozan dates back several years. When DeRozan was a free agent in 2021, the Lakers were one of the teams reportedly in the running to sign him. However, DeRozan ultimately chose the Bulls, taking a pay cut to join the Chicago franchise in a move that shocked many around the league. At the time, DeRozan was reportedly leaning toward a return to Los Angeles, but his decision was influenced by Chicago’s willingness to build a competitive team around him, featuring Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic.
Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has shifted. The Bulls are now entrenched in a rebuilding phase, and DeRozan’s future in Chicago has become increasingly uncertain. DeRozan has one more year left on his contract, which makes him a prime candidate for a trade. As the Bulls continue to figure out their next steps, it’s rumored that DeRozan could be on the move to a contending team like the Lakers, who desperately need to surround LeBron James with an All-Star caliber roster.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has made no secret of his desire to add another superstar to complement LeBron and Anthony Davis. DeRozan, a veteran with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor, could be the perfect addition to a team looking for immediate production.
The Potential Fit: What DeRozan Brings to the Lakers
DeMar DeRozan’s skill set would fill an essential need for the Lakers. As mentioned, the team has often struggled with scoring depth, particularly when LeBron James is off the court. DeRozan has made a name for himself as one of the league’s most consistent scorers, posting averages of over 20 points per game in each of the last four seasons. His ability to break down defenses and score efficiently in isolation situations would give the Lakers another offensive weapon that doesn’t rely on LeBron creating for others.
Moreover, DeRozan’s mid-range shooting, one of his signature traits, is still highly effective in today’s NBA, where spacing and shooting are at a premium. He also has a history of performing in clutch moments, something that could make him a perfect complement to LeBron, who has always thrived when surrounded by players who can step up when needed.
Defensively, while DeRozan isn’t a lockdown defender, he is more than capable of holding his own on that end of the floor. His size and basketball IQ allow him to guard multiple positions, which would add more versatility to the Lakers’ defense. Paired with the shot-blocking presence of Davis, DeRozan’s defensive ability would provide the Lakers with a balanced two-way player.
What the Lakers Could Offer the Bulls
In terms of trade discussions, the Lakers would likely need to offer a combination of assets to entice the Bulls into a deal. The Lakers have some tradeable players such as D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and potentially even Rui Hachimura. Chicago, currently in rebuild mode, would likely prioritize young players and draft picks over veteran talent in any trade package.
However, the financial aspect is another hurdle to consider. DeRozan’s contract is hefty, and the Lakers would need to match salaries in any deal, which could be complicated depending on the structure of the trade. It’s possible that a trade for DeRozan could involve a third team to facilitate the deal, but the Lakers’ need for a scoring wing is clear, and DeRozan would likely be atop their list.
The Bottom Line
Malik Beasley’s public recruitment of DeMar DeRozan is a reminder of how high the stakes are for the Los Angeles Lakers. As a team with championship aspirations, the Lakers have little room for error when it comes to roster moves. Beasley’s attempt to bring DeRozan into the fold speaks to his belief that the Lakers’ window for a championship remains wide open — but only if the right moves are made. Whether or not DeRozan joins the Lakers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Lakers are doing everything they can to build a contender around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With Malik Beasley throwing his weight behind this recruitment effort, the question is no longer “if” but “how” the Lakers will pull off a move that could keep their championship hopes alive for the long term.
