Michael Beasley joins Lakers on bench in second half

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Los Angeles Lakers' 128-110 defeat at the hands of the Washington Wizards on Sunday wasn't a total loss as Michael Beasley rejoined the team on the bench early in the second half after being away for the last week to spend time with his ailing mother, Fatima Smith.

Beasley, a native of Prince George's County, Maryland, was in the area as the Lakers' four-game road trip rolled through the nation's capital. He attended the game at his mother's request, according to a team spokeswoman, because his mom wanted to see the Lakers play in person.

He and his mother watched the first half from a suite before Beasley emerged from the tunnel early in the third quarter to greet his…