Malik Beasley Admits Off-Court Issues Hurt His 2023 Run With Lakers
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Los Angeles — Guard Malik Beasley says personal problems undercut his lone season with the Los Angeles Lakers, preventing him from meeting expectations after arriving in a 2023 trade.
During a recent livestream with content creator N3on, the 27-year-old recalled that he “was going through a lot of mental sh— at that time” while playing in purple and gold. Beasley joined the Lakers in February 2023 when the club sent Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz and received D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt and Beasley in return.
Viewed as a much-needed perimeter threat, the veteran shooter finished the regular season at 35.1 percent from three-point range, then slipped to 26.9 percent in the playoffs and eventually fell out of head coach Darvin Ham’s rotation.
Beasley cited several factors that he believes derailed his on-court focus, including a 40-minute commute from his Beverly Hills home, public friction with teammates, and personal issues with his former partner. “People don’t even think about all the outside noise,” he said. “If I could go back I would destroy it for that sh— again.”
Despite the disappointing stint, Beasley noted one bright spot: his seven three-pointers in a single half, tying a Lakers record also held by Kobe Bryant.
Two seasons after leaving Los Angeles, Beasley nearly led the league in total threes with the Detroit Pistons and finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting. He is currently a free agent while the NBA investigates gambling allegations involving him.
Source: Lakers Nation
