Malik Beasley Drops Bold Statement On Lakers Playing Timberwolves in Play-in Game

The Los Angeles Lakers will meet the Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in game and players are super excited. The Lakers have a real chance to make the playoffs and even win their title.

Malik Beasley looks forward to playing against his former team. He is ready for the big revenge. Minnesota traded Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt to the Utah Jazz last summer. D’Angelo Russell left the Timberwolves, too. They sent him to LA at the trade deadline. Minnesota moved on from Beasley and Vanderbilt in the Rudy Gobert move. Was it a good decision?

The former Timberwolves trio pushed the Lakers to an 18-9 record following the trade deadline. It was a big accomplishment and we have a feeling that Beasley, Russell, and Vanderbilt will try even harder in the play-in tournament.

The Lakers got decent performance from Beasley. He averages 11.1 points while going 39.2% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc. In 26 games with the Lakers, Beasley delivered 66 three-point shots.

Malik Beasley has revenge on his mind facing his former team ? pic.twitter.com/Br27aXZd5e

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 10, 2023

Russell to help the Lakers beat the Timberwolves in the play-in tournament

Lakers fans can’t wait to see Russell in action. He came to LA to win. Of course, he and his teammates have to be mentally prepared for the challenge.

“I mean, not the fact that they traded me has anything to do with it, but the fact that they’re in the way of what we’re trying to get done,” Russell said. “I mean, that’s all that really matters to me honestly. Trying to prepare mentally now for that because obviously, it’s a big game and it matters. It dictates a lot. So just trying to get that win by any means.”

Russell averages 17.4 points and 6.1 assists per game with the Lakers. He will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer and the Lakers front office will probably consider keeping him around. Rob Pelinka and Darvin Ham need strong players like Russell. Let’s see how things go in the play-in tournament. The final outcome will have a big impact on Russell’s future in the NBA.