NBA News: Los Angeles Lakers GM Mitch Kupchack Wants Michael Beasley; Oklahoma City Thunder Also Frontrunner?

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak holds the answer whether or not mercurial small forward Michael Beasley will ever play in Hollywood. Apparently, a renowned NBA writer believes the popular front office executive is still interested in bringing in the former No. 2 overall pick.   

ESPN Los Angeles writer Dave McMenamin said Kupchak might be monitoring "the Beasley situation" after the former Kansas State standout was released by the Phoenix Suns for violating the team's "personal and professional standards."

On Thursday, Beasley already accepted the Suns' $7 million buyout offer, making him a free agent late this offseason. Several reports indicated that there at least two teams interested in signing Beasley: the Chicago Bulls and the Lakers.

According to McMenamin, Kupchak could still be intrigued by Beasley's potential after trying to trade for him twice during the player's tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers already signed Beasley's former teammate Wesley Johnson, but a reformed B-Easy could bring a different dynamic at small forward position.

"Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has shown in recent seasons that once a player catches his interest, that impression doesn't fade easily. Kupchak said that the Lakers had designs on acquiring Steve Blake for years stemming from an great pre-draft workout with the team in 2003. They finally got Blake in 2011. The same goes for Nick Young. Kupchak came close to getting Young for years before having it all come together this summer," McMenamin wrote.

The only roadblock that could ruin Beasley's arrival in Los Angeles will be his asking price. The Lakers can only sign Beasley to a veteran minimum deal worth $2.2 million while other teams can offer a mid-level contract worth $3.2 million.

Aside from the Lakers, the Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be another team that could snatch Beasley off the market. Kevin Durant is Beasley's childhood friend, giving the Thunder some leverage to get the former college standout.