Last week it was reported that the Los Angeles Lakers, who are expected to be very active before the NBA's trade deadline, turned down a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves that would have landed LA some scoring punch in Michael Beasley in exchange for a draft pick. Despite rebuffing, the Lakers continue to be interested in the forward, according to Sports Illustrated:
The Lakers are well aware that they need scoring and point guard help, thus their continued interest in Minnesota's Michael Beasley and Cleveland's Ramon Sessions.
Beasley, whose scoring and playing time are down significantly under first-year T-wolves coach Rick Adelman, is making $6.2 million this season (prorated for the 66-game season) and is a restricted free agent this offseason.
Of course, the same reasons they rejected the first reported offer is why they may wind up not acquiring the fourth year player -- they supposedly do not want to dip too far into the luxury tax in order to pay him.
For more on Minnesota Timberwolves trade talk, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.